It is easy to make small changes to make your environment eco friendly when decorating - indoors and out! Here are just a few tips that will make a difference in your world.

TIP 1: USE ECO FRIENDLY PAINT
There are new non-toxic paints that don't harm you or the environment. For the same price or a few pennies more you can get quality results from eco friendly paints and paint strippers. Whether you are reclaiming and recreating furniture or repainting a room in your home; non-toxic, eco-friendly paints are the way to make sure that your new creation does not pose any long lasting health hazards.

TIP 2: KNOW YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Shop locally whenever possible because shipping uses fuel and raises the carbon footprint of your purchases! Knowing your carbon footprint can help change your habits and your environment. Shopping locally also helps your city's economy!

TIP 3: BE AWARE OF FORMALDEHYDE
Formaldehyde is contained in manufactured wood fiber/particle board products, fabrics and a host of everyday things in our homes. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical. It effects your home environment for years after your purchases.

TIP 4: SAVE OUR TREES
Trees help clean the air we breathe. By recycling, reclaiming and reusing wooden furniture, flooring, fencing and frames, we save trees. New is not always better. Plant a tree!

TIP 5: GO ORGANIC
Bring the outdoors in with plants, branches or dried flowers from your own yard. This gives an earthy feel to your home and is an easy way to decorate without any extra cost! Bringing plants indoors also helps to clean your air inside of your home. Some ideas: add branches to an empty long neck bottle, fill a bottle or jar with rocks; bring in a cluster of pine sprigs; fill bowls with fruit or flowers; or decorate with autumn leaves. Get creative with an instant eco friendly decoration for any room in your home!

TIP 6: USE ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Lighting is an essential element in any decor. The initial cost may be more but in the long run it will save you money because the bulbs last longer and use less energy. They now make these bulbs is a wide variety to go with any mood or need. Use energy efficient lighting and appliances!

TIP 7: RECYCLE AND RECREATE
Start with just one change a month and it will make a difference! Encourage the artist in you or your children to make things from products that would otherwise be tossed away and you might find that you are on to something BIG! Get more tips from Planet Green!