2 to 5 percent of what is thrown out as trash has not yet reached the end of its lifecycle and can be reused. Not only is reuse an eco-friendly choice, it is also a money saver. Here are some common household items that can be reused in unique ways.

Soybean candles burn up to 50% longer than paraffin wax candles and won't leave dark marks on your walls....

Not all paints are equal. Some are "greener" than others because they have a lower impact on the environment and your family's health. Just keep in mind that though there are commercial paints that claim a zero VOC content, it may not be possible. Read those labels and certifications carefully.

Check the label and the product description of your bamboo towel, upholstery, wall covering, even your baby's crib linen, it may use terms like "organic", "environmentally-safe", "biodegradable", "natural", or "antimicrobial". Items made out of bamboo fiber and fabric may not live up to those claims.

Fortunately, Indoor plants have the ability to naturally detoxify the air in the home. Studies run by NASA have proven that plants in the home can reduce up to 85% of indoor air pollutants, and as follows, Indoor plants should be considered essential to any home.

Inexpensive storage units, shelves, desks and other home furnishings are often made from particleboard or compressed wood. While economical and versatile, particleboard isn't very green. Enter Way Basics - A modular system that uses individual boards called zBoards to custom-build everything from a storage cubby to a bed frame.

Considered as an alternative to petroleum-based candles, soy wax candles are a more sustainable and cost-effective product, providing the environmentally-conscious consumer with a safer and healthier product for the home, as well as for the planet.

When putting together a nursery for your baby, there are many things to consider in order to make it eco-friendly. Yet if it is not in your budget to redo the flooring and paint, or if you just don't want to remodel the room, there are easier steps to take, like buying safe products and accessories

Recycling antique furniture, and restoring it to reproduce its original luster not only keeps furniture out of the landfill, it also saves trees from being used to produce new furniture.

Shop at unfinished wood furniture stores and finish the items with plant-based, natural finishes--you'll avoid chemicals from new materials and also save money....

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The products used to cover the walls of your home with colorful textures and patterns can be made from non-sustainable materials. These ingredients can include many chemicals that will be harmful to you and your family. Here are some interesting eco-friendly wallcovering options that you might consider in your home. These products will not only make your residence look great, but your purchase will contribute to a green way of life and a healthier home.

If your walls are starting to look a little shabby, or if you're just looking to give your home a little make-over, then a new paint job is probably on your agenda. And if you want your home to be a little more eco-friendly, or if you just don't like the pervasive smells that usually accompany a fresh coat of paint, then environmentally friendly paints are for you. Using these eco-friendly paints are not just good for the environment, but in the long run are beneficial to your health.

If you are buying raw lumber, wood flooring or simply a piece of furniture, you might stumble across these three important letters: FSC. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit international organization working towards the improvement of forestry practices worldwide. The FSC certification process rewards businesses for practicing environmentally friendly methods. Next time you buy wood or a product made of wood, make sure that the wood is FSC approved.

Fabric can be found all over the home, but have you ever thought of where the threads are coming from? Many common fabrics contain harmful chemicals and dyes that may offgas VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and can damage your body. Next time you are interested in buying fabric for your home, you might want to consider a material that supports a limited impact on the environment. Even better, these eco-friendly textiles can be suitable for home decoration.