Woven bamboo shades stylish, functional

A Florida-based green design firm is helping a local middle school become more environmentally friendly. The Seminole Voice reports that SchenkelShultz Architecture is designing the $14 million renovation at Jackson Heights Middle School in Oviedo, Florida. The new look is welcome news to Winston Bailey, the schools principal.

"The new design will give the school a whole new image. I think our community will be excited, our parents and our students; I am certainly excited," Bailey told the news source.

The updates will feature a number of items to make the school more energy efficient, including high-efficiency mechanical systems that will result in long-term savings.

Although not everyone can hire a renowned design firm to combine style and function, getting the same effect in one's own home is possible. One way to do this is by hanging woven bamboo shades to add a sustainable element to a home and save money on energy costs. Its dual benefits has made it one of the most popular materials as of late.

"While our business is window blinds and treatments, we realize the far reaching benefits of bamboo," says Chris Stanley of Blinds Chalet. "We have seen an increase in consumers looking for environmentally friendly options for decorating and furnishing their homes and bamboo fills that need."