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Green Window Treatments By reducing our carbon footprint, we can reduce waste of natural resources. Green materials used in window treatments and cushions can help. Being green isn't just about having organic materials in the home. Going green can be accomplished by using products made from recycled materials (green foam), using energy saving materials (thermal linings), or using easily renewable materials (cotton, bamboo, and silk fabrics). Green foam cushions are made from recycled plastics. Green foam is resilient, earth friendly, and costs about the same as traditional foam. Green fabrics are either natural fibers, such as cotton or silk, or they are drapery fabrics and linings which can save energy by adding insulation layers to windows. Adding thermal layers at windows can control energy loss. Blackout linings, thermal linings, and French blackout linings can control heat and light coming through windows. These linings also block drafts. On very drafty windows, cover the window with a shade, and then add panels on each side of the window. Top off all the window covering layers with a cornice board or a board mounted valance. Use interlining between the drapery fabric and the outer lining to create fabric layers to block heat loss and air currents. So on your next decorating project, ask for green foam for your cushions. And add interlining to drapery panels to slow down energy loss through windows. Add thermal linings to window treatments, such as a roman shade with blackout lining, to control light and heat in a room. To find a decorating professional in your area and request green materials, check out our workroom and designer directory listing. |
As seen in the following magazines: Window Coverings News Window and Wall Ideas Draperies & Window Coverings Window Fashions |