Greening your bedroom

11 June 2012

Floors

Carpets are often backed with PVC which will give off gas and is slow to decompose if landfilled - they also trap dust and retain chemicals which can aggravate allergies and asthma. Go for a natural covering such as sea grass, coir or jute.

Solid floors have a contemporary look and are easy to keep clean, whereas laminate will have an MDF backing which contains formaldehyde glue - again, this can release toxins.

Engineered floor is a cheaper alternative to a solid wood floor.

Recycled wooden boards can make warm flooring that will take paint and wear beautifully - and cut down the use of new materials in your home.

A good compromise is a solid floor with a rug under the bed to create a textural contrast and warmth. Find out more from the Healthy Flooring Network.

Walls

Many oil-based paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that turn into gas. Choose a low VOC paint for your bedroom and you're less likely to wake up feeling fuzzy headed. Try using ones like:

• Auro Organic Paints
• Ecos Paints
• Green Building Store
• The Green Shop

Lighting

Energy-saving bulbs will reduce your bills and can last 12 times longer than the conventional type. Supplement with smaller decorative lights such as low wattage side lights, fairy lights or candles. Read more energy saving tips for lighting.

Bedding and beds

If you live in the London area, you could try Warren Evans, a bed-maker who aims to minimise waste, avoid hardwoods and work with socially responsible suppliers. Alternatively, go for an old or antique frame and relieve the demand for new resources - it may add a more romantic air too.

Use unbleached sheets, made without chlorine or optical whiteners - virtually all polycotton, all "easy-care", "crease-resistant", and "permanent-press" cottons are treated with formaldehyde.

For unbleached cotton and other eclectic kit, try Greenfibres - http://www.greenfibres.com/.

Heating

We tend to sleep better when the temperature is a little cooler than the rest of our home, the optimum being between 17 and 19 degrees centigrade. Turn down the heat and reduce the energy consumption in your bedroom.

Need a professional? Try the Association of Environmentally Conscious Building - http://www.aecb.net/

This article is taken from Earthmatters (Spring 2004), Friends of the Earth's supporter magazine - join to receive your copy.

Read about the eco-friendly bedroom that Oliver designed for the BBC series Changing Rooms.