Bedroom
Bedrooms offer many opportunities for saving energy and creating a greener, healthier environment. In this section, we first discuss components of bedrooms that have environmental attributes, including electronics equipment, furnishings, and flooring. Then, we discuss changes to everyday activities that you can make in the bedroom, including easy changes to cleaning, purchases, and habits.
Bedroom Components
Bedroom Green Practices
Bedroom Components
Home Electronics
Choose energy efficient ENERGY STAR® labeled products when purchasing electronics for your bedroom, including your:
TV
DVD Player
Cordless Telephone
Stereo
ENERGY STAR® products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
For more information on ENERGY STAR labeled electronics, go to:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductCategory&pcw_code=HEF
Green Furnishings
When choosing furnishings for your bedroom, from the furniture to decorations, consider environmentally preferable products. Environmentally preferable products are those that are considered to be “greener” overall than their conventional counterparts.
Recycled content is one factor in determining an environmentally preferable product. Consider furniture made from recycled content or reclaimed materials, and pieces made from sustainably harvested materials such as certified hardwood. Other environmental attributes to consider include: reduced energy use during the products production and use; conservation of resources; and reduced impacts to air, water, and land. Furthermore, environmentally preferable products contain fewer or no toxics or hazardous constituents, including those that can result in indoor air quality issues such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products including upholstery, paints and lacquers, adhesives, and solvents. Some VOCs contribute to outdoor smog, as well as indoor air pollution. Formaldehyde is an example of a common VOC that is used in the manufacture of furniture and materials, including most types of particleboard (used as shelving, in cabinetry, and furniture); hardwood plywood paneling (decorative wall covering, cabinets, and furniture); and medium density fiberboard (used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops). Other types of VOCs include benzene, xylene, toluene, to name just a few. Look for products that contain low or no–VOC finishes and adhesives.
EPA launched the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program to help the federal government “buy green,” and to stimulate demand for green products and services. Environmentally preferable purchasing means including environmental considerations into buying decisions, along with traditional factors such as performance and price. EPA’s EPP Program has summarized information about popular environmentally preferable products and services, including environmental attributes to look for, procurement guidance, tools, case studies, and other useful resources. Although geared towards the federal government (and its own institutional, mainly non-residential, buildings), this program can also help consumers identify EPP products and places to buy them.
For a database of environmental information on EPP products, including furnishings, go to:
http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf/Pages/VendorLists.html?Open
PLEASE NOTE: Linking to this database does not constitute “endorsement” of these products or companies on the part of the EPA.
