There’s no better time than now to lessen your home’s effect on the environment and change the way you decorate and live. It’s not nearly as difficult to become earth-friendly as you might think.

These days, you can find stylish, eco-friendly design elements for every room in the house. And, contrary to popular belief, going green doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for sustainability.

GateHouse News Service

In the bedroom
You can start simple by dressing your bed in sheets, throws and comforters made from fabrics such as rich, renewable bamboo or soft, organic cotton.

Cover your floors with formaldehyde-free carpets constructed of recycled fibers or select a natural materia.

In the living room
Spice up your tired sofa with a design-forward slipcover and throw pillows crafted from 100 percent recycled materials.

Add bright recycled glass plates and serving pieces to your china cabinet.

Buy furniture made from sustainably harvested wood or, better yet, visit local secondhand shops and repurpose. 

In any room
If you’re looking to add bold, fun color, paint is an inexpensive, effective and, most importantly, environmentally minded way to change the look and feel of a room. Many paint manufacturers now offer coatings that contain few, if any, volatile organic compounds or vapors that are released from paint as it dries.

Use home improvement products that are Indoor Air Quality certified by The Greenguard Environmental Institute, a nonprofit, industry-independent organization that certifies indoor products that meet satisfactory indoor air emissions standards.

— GateHouse News Service