Window Treatment Wednesday: Green and Sustainable Window Treatments
As the saying goes, “Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents but was loaned to you by your children.” In what ways can our choice of window treatment help us live in a more “green” way today?
Materials Used
Shannon Scarrella, a window coverings expert, says, “In window treatments we talk about ‘green’ in many ways—one is the materials used, such as natural shades made from reeds, bamboos and grasses. The Hunter Douglas Applause honeycomb Vintage line is made from 40 percent recycled material. It’s available in 10 colors, has varying pleat sizes and semi-opaque and blackout materials as well.”
Energy Efficiency
Window coverings are also green because of the energy efficiency they provide. “Energy efficient treatments allow us to limit our use of energy-using products such as furnaces, air conditioners, and lights—anything that helps us reduce energy usage helps create a ‘green’ environment,” says Scarrella. Honeycomb shades, sunscreen shades, and silhouettes are all energy efficient, each with its own features and benefits that homeowners desire.
Greenguard Certified
Greenguard certification reassures homeowners that a product has met some of the world’s toughest, most comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) seeping into indoor air. Building materials and furnishings that emit VOC emissions are a major cause of indoor air pollution, so having a third party verify products’ safety is critical.
When you’re looking for ways to live green, the window coverings you choose can support your environmentally friendly efforts. There are a variety of treatments you can use that add beauty and functionality, and are sustainable and energy efficient too.
Since Frank and Elizabeth Hirshfield opened their first store in 1894, it has been our mission to do the best job possible meeting customer needs and solving customer problems. Hirshfield’s. People and products you can trust.
