Sustainable materials: Sustainable materials usually refer to wood products or hemp products. These products grow and are harvested in such a way that the biological systems remain productive and intact. Bamboo is a similar to a weed in the amount and speed with which it grows. When the plant is cut, the root system remains intact and bamboo quickly replenishes itself.
Energy Efficient: Energy efficient materials are those that help save energy. Examples of these are cellular shades that can be as effective as installing a double-paned blinds. By reducing usage of heat and air conditioning, less polluting elements are released into the air. They also reduce fuel use, minimizing need for fossil fuels. Some window treatments qualify for federal tax credits of up to $1,500.00
Environmentally Friendly Products: These window treatments are recyclable, which means the materials don’t end up in landfills. They are also constructed without PVCs and contain no volatile organic compounds. PVC is a plastic substance that can be toxic to the environment and takes a long time to break down. An example of PVC-free blinds is the Eco-Green line of solar sun and roller shades. Other examples of environmentally friendly materials would be window treatments made of bamboo fabric, hemp or organic cotton.
Recycled Materials: Recycled materials are also considered environmentally friendly. Using recycled or reclaimed wood has become a popular trend. Other manufactures use recycled fabrics to construct patchwork designs or vintage style blinds.
Another consideration is how the materials were processed. While bamboo is a sustainable material, some companies will use harmful chemicals to process the material that can leach into water systems and damage fish and wildlife. Companies seeking to establish themselves as leaders in the environmental movement will be open about their materials, their processing methods and how their materials are manufactured.
Shipping is another consideration. While a company may do everything the right way environmentally, if they have their products manufactured overseas, the carbon footprint of shipping the materials has to be considered.
As consumers, there are many ways to incorporate green materials into a home. From vintage furniture to reclaimed wood flooring and cabinetry, the ways are endless. With window treatments, consider bamboo wood blinds, Eco-Green Roller Window Shades and cellular shades. By replacing outdated window shades and treatments, consumers can increase the efficiency of their homes, incorporate unique colors and designs and create a focal point for conversation.
Related Articles
Measuring for French door blinds and shades is slightly different from measuring a standard window because the treatment is mounted directly to the face of the door. You need enough overlap around the glass for privacy and light control while also making sure the blind or shade does not interfere with the door handle, locks, trim or other hardware.
... moreMeasuring blinds or shades for two windows that meet in a corner requires a little more planning than measuring a standard window. If both treatments are made to extend all the way into the same corner, the headrails, rollers or shade fabric can interfere with each other.
... moreTile, decorative molding or other trim at the bottom of a window can make an inside-mount blind or shade more difficult to measure. The top of the window opening may be wide enough for a normal shade, while the bottom becomes narrower where the tile or molding projects into the opening.
... moreMeasuring vertical blinds for a sliding glass door involves more than measuring the glass. You also need to consider the door trim or molding, where the headrail will actually be mounted, how much space the vertical blind will occupy when it is fully open, and whether door handles, walls, cabinets or other obstructions will interfere with the treatment.
... moreAngled top windows, sometimes called triangular or sloped-top windows, can be difficult to cover with a standard rectangular blind or shade because the top of the opening is not level. One practical solution is to mount a standard blind or shade at the point where the angle begins and leave the triangular portion above uncovered.
... moreWhen installing horizontal window blinds, the same process can be used when installing all types of horizontal blinds. This page will cover basic installation of our 2 and 2 1/2" blinds.... more
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing horizontal blinds. Note: You may not receive all the parts listed. You may also receive additional parts that are not needed. We will only send you the horizontal blinds parts for your particular application.... more
1/2 inch micro and 1 or 2 inch aluminum mini blinds installation instructions. This page explains basic installation for aluminum blinds which is similar to installing horizontal wood blinds. Here are some simple steps for installing mini blinds.... more
To install vertical window blinds, please read completely the instructions below before beginning the installation process.... more
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing vertical blinds. Note: You may not receive all the vertical blinds parts listed. We will send you the parts you need to install your vertical blinds.... more




