How to Make a Bedroom Sustainable (6 Epic Eco Methods)

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to turn your boring old bedroom into a sustainable paradise! No longer will you have to worry about your carbon footprint while you snooze, because with these tips and tricks, you'll be sleeping easy knowing that you're doing your part to save the planet. So grab your organic cotton sheets, turn off those energy-sucking screens, and get ready to transform your space into a green haven. It's time to make your bedroom sustainable, and have a little fun while you're at it!

6 Methods to Create an Eco-Friendly Bedroom

1. Invest in Energy-Efficient Lighting

One of the easiest ways to make your bedroom more sustainable is to switch out your light bulbs for energy-efficient options. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, which means they'll save you money on your energy bill and help reduce your carbon footprint. Not to mention, they also last much longer than incandescent bulbs, so you won't have to replace them as often.

While we're on the topic of energy, if you have electronics in your bedroom (like a TV or laptop), ensure they are turned off or unplugged when not in use. And lastly, open your blinds during the day to let natural light in and help heat your room — just be sure to close them at night to keep the heat in!

2. Invest in High-Quality, Long-Lasting Products

Invest in top-notch products that won't fall apart on you, so you won't have to constantly replace them (and clutter up a landfill).

When you buy cheap, poorly made products, they may break or wear out quickly, which means you'll need to replace them more often. This not only wastes money, but it also generates more waste and contributes to environmental degradation. On the other hand, investing in well-made products built to last can save you money in the long run and reduce your overall impact on the environment. Some examples of high-quality, long-lasting products for the bedroom could include a durable mattress, a sturdy bed frame, and high-quality sheets and towels.

3. Choose Sustainable Furnishings

When shopping for new furniture or bedding, look for items made from sustainable materials like bamboo, wool, or organic cotton. These materials are all environmentally friendly and will help you create a sustainable bedroom that's also stylish and comfortable.

Leslie wrote several guides specifically for this, such as the 4 best eco-friendly bedroom brands.

Not only are you doing your part to reduce your environmental impact, but you’ll also be sleeping soundly knowing that you’re supporting sustainable practices. And who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep?

4. Use a Programmable Thermostat to Reduce For Energy Savings

Are you tired of sweating through the summer and freezing through the winter, all while paying exorbitant energy bills? It's time to take control of your thermostat and give Mother Nature the middle finger! Here's how:

Set the thermostat to a chillier temperature while you're snoozing or out of the house. Not only will you save energy, but you'll also have a valid excuse for why you're always cold. "I'm just saving the planet, okay?!"
In the winter, crank up the heat a smidge, and in the summer, lower it slightly. You'll still be comfortable, but your energy bill will be significantly less offensive.
Going on vacation? Use the "hold" or "vacation" setting on your thermostat to keep the temperature consistent while you're gone. No need to worry about your plants wilting or your pipes freezing (unless you live in a particularly extreme climate).
And finally, make sure to regularly maintain and calibrate your thermostat. Trust us, nothing is worse than a thermostat that thinks it's 70 degrees when it's actually 10 below.

By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to a more sustainable, comfortable, and energy-efficient bedroom. Go green and save some green!

5. Buy Secondhand Furniture

Buying secondhand furniture or repurposing items can be a great way to make an eco-friendly bedroom. Here are a few reasons why:

You'll save a tree or two. Or three. Or maybe even a whole forest. No, seriously. When you buy new furniture, it often means that more trees need to be cut down to create the wood for the product. But when you buy secondhand, you're giving a piece of furniture that may have otherwise ended up in a landfill a second life. Plus, it's much more eco-friendly to use something that already exists instead of creating more demand for new products.
You'll reduce your carbon footprint. Making new furniture requires energy, and that energy often comes from burning fossil fuels. This means that buying new furniture can contribute to climate change. But when you buy secondhand or repurpose an old piece, you're not contributing to that energy usage. You're basically a superhero in a t-shirt and sweatpants, saving the world one piece of furniture at a time.
You'll save some money. Buying new furniture can be expensive, but when you buy secondhand or repurpose something you already have, you can save a lot of cash. And who doesn't love saving money? You can use that extra cash to treat yourself to something nice, like a sustainable smoothie or a new pair of shoes made from recycled materials.

So you can see - buying secondhand furniture or repurposing items is a sustainable and budget-friendly way to make your bedroom a little greener. Plus, you'll be a hero in sweatpants. What's not to love about that?

6. Use Plant Cover and Shading

Ah, planting trees and installing shading devices: two great ways to keep your bedroom cool in the summertime! Here are some tips to make sure your efforts are a success:

Choose the right tree: Not all trees are created equal when providing shade. Deciduous trees (like oak or maple) are a good choice because they lose their leaves in the winter, allowing sunlight to reach your home and warm it up.
Plant it in the right spot: Make sure to plant your tree far enough away from your house so it doesn't block windows or cause damage to your foundation as it grows.
Water it: Trees need water to survive, so make sure to give your new tree regular H2O. A good rule of thumb is to water it deeply once a week unless there has been a lot of rain.
Install shading devices: If you don't have the patience (or yard space) for a tree, you can always install shading devices like awnings or window shades. Just make sure they are properly installed to prevent them from falling and causing any damage.
Use your shade wisely: While it's tempting to sit directly in the shade on a hot summer day, keep in mind that the air in the shade is often cooler than the air in direct sunlight. So if you really want to stay cool, try sitting in the sun and enjoying the shade from a distance.

With these tips, you'll be well on your way to a cooler bedroom in no time!

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! With these simple yet effective tips, you can turn your bedroom into a sustainable oasis that's not only good for the planet, but also good for your wallet. No longer will you have to sacrifice style for sustainability, because as it turns out, being environmentally friendly can be downright fashionable. So go ahead and pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and get ready to enjoy a good night's sleep in your newly green bedroom. Sweet dreams!