There are plenty of reasons to have a green bedroom and you will be glad to know that there are many simple things you can do to achieve it. This means you can start with the smaller items and then slowly work towards the bigger items to achieve that ideal eco-friendly room! Below are some tips to help you get started.

Furnishing

When it comes to objects for furnishing such as lamps or cute tissue holders, it's best to opt for recycled objects or objects that use recycled paper and materials. You will be amazed how recycled lampshades can be fabulously unique and chic! Lighting is also one the easiest and cheapest things that you can start with. Update all of the lighting in your bedroom to compact fluorescent light bulbs. You'll save energy and your light bulbs will last longer. Wherever possible, use natural lighting and situate your mirrors .and reading areas in places that receive the most light during the day. Finally, be open to ideas and make an effort to shop green because you will be pleasantly surprise how many things out there are eco-friendly!

Organic Bedding

What kind of bedding are you using right now? Most of us will answer cotton and it is natural, right? But you couldn't be more wrong. Cotton is actually one of the most chemical-heavy crops on the planet. It uses about 25 percent of all pesticides and insecticides. The toxic residues pollute soil and water sources, and the World Health Organisation estimates 20,000 workers die every year from contamination. Pesticides used on cotton contain carcinogens that are harmful to the environment and us.

So if you want to shop for some new bedding, there are at least two really green options you can consider. The first option is organic cotton bedding. Organic cotton is grown without the aid of pesticides. Besides that, organic cotton farmers also take steps to reduce soil erosion and nutrient depletion while farming. Choosing organic cotton will definitely help with your quest for a green bedroom! And the best bit is that organic cotton is not that much more expensive than regular cotton. So, you get to help the environment and watch your health without sacrificing your bank account. It's a good deal!

Another great option for organic bedding option is to try bamboo sheets. You probably know that counter tops and cabinets are now being made from bamboo so why not consider it for bedding? There are shops that sell them here but if you are finding it difficult, you can always opt to order them online with only a minimal extra charge. Bamboo is extremely eco-friendly for two main reasons. Bamboo grows extremely fast and this makes it an extremely renewable option. Bamboo also has a natural antiseptic quality and doesn't require the use of any pesticides during growth.

Bamboo bedding is made from the fibres of the bamboo plant so it's extremely soft and feels silky without being slippery. It also has some thermal qualities, which means that it helps to keep you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cold. Not only have that, with bamboo bedding, the sheets themselves actually had an antiseptic quality to them!

Eco-Friendly Walls

One of the best things you can do is choose eco-friendly paint when repainting any bedroom in your home. Most conventional paints release low-level toxins, volatile organic compounds (VOC) for up to five years after use, which can damage the environment and your health. More than anything else, the paint on our walls contributes to poor indoor air quality. Do you and your family a favour by choosing low or zero VOC paint the next time you decide to put a new colour on your walls? You can even use paint that is made from natural materials.

Flower Power

If you are a fan of decorating your room with pretty flowers then pick plants such as gerberas, ivy, cyclamen, chrysanthemums or African violets because they are great at absorbing toxins. Most orchids are especially good for the bedroom as they produce oxygen, so having one in the room is an easy eco-step.

Switch Them Off

Do you have the bad habit of leaving the bathroom lights on while you are in your room blow drying your hair or doing your make-up? You think you will be right back but how many times have you ended up simply forgetting to switch off lights, air-conditioner or the fan? These are energy-wasting activities and you should make an effort to stop this bad habit today! And it's not even that hard, just flip it off when you leave the room and make that a habit.

Window Dressing

You should shop for curtains made of fabrics from organic cotton or highly renewable materials, such as bamboo, hemp, Tencel or recycled material. And if you and your mum are up for it, do a sewing project together! Not only will it be kind to the environment it will also be a fun activity to do with your mum. And we can be sure your window dressing will be one of a kind.

Carpets

You know that strange smell that comes from new carpets? You guess it - it's VOC again! So, if you want a carpet in your room, shop for those made from natural wool, organic cotton or hemp. Remember, it's not just for the environment; you are actually doing yourself and your family a huge favour because inhaling VOC equals to inhaling toxins!

Remember to spread the news to family and friends - you are doing your bit for the environment and so should they! As they say, "Green is the way to go."