April 22nd is here, which means millions of people are coming together to celebrate the earth and to support environmental protection. Earth Day is a day recognized worldwide for nearly 48 years after millions of people took the streets to protest the negative effects that 150 years of industrial development had on the planet. Since, Earth Day Network’s mission is to “diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide” and has brought the environmental issues onto the world stage with over 200 million active people in 141 counties taking part. This year the theme is “Protect Our Species;” a theme which was chosen to make more people aware of the rapid extinction of our species. Since its inception in 1970, more than 193 countries are taking part by doing their part and celebrating.
Here are a few of our favorite recycled décor ideas you can try out and use to decorate your outdoor space whether it is a simple patio cover or a full addition room. Stand out and become another conscious individual that is finding ways to help our environment:
- One idea we love is utilizing recycled glass jars for flowers and wall décor. It’s super effortless and looks perfect on any wall. All you need is to grab an old jar you don’t use anymore, fill it up with water and place your flowers in. Then grab some string and hang. It looks incredibly cute and perfect for spring time.
- Another great idea is recycling wooden boxes to make a night stand or a bookshelf. This idea goes perfect in any bedroom or living room. Great to use to hold your water and charge your phone at night.
- This next idea is innovative and simple. Recycling natural rope to enhance your window trim. This idea is quite simple. All you need is your recycled rope and string it through the curtains and hang. A perfect fit in any house, or to use as a privacy screen for your patio cover or pergola.
- Want to get your kids involved? This idea is perfect for a rainy day. It’s a “do it yourself” key wind chime. Have old keys laying around? Take the keys and have your kids paint them. It’s time to great creative. Then string them with left over yarn you have laying around the house. Instant wind chimes to hang out-side. Now you and your family can watch them blow in the chimes to hang outside. Now you and your family can watch them blow in the wind.
Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) is an ideal choice in green building designs; it substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions when utilized as insulation. According to epsindustry.org, “EPS insulation can return up to 200 times the amount of energy required to produce it, and reduce emissions by up to 100 times the volume produced during the manufacturing process.” It is because of this and its energy-saving properties that Four Seasons decided to utilize this material in our Insulated Patio Covers. When compared to that of fiberglass insulation, the energy required to produce EPS insulation is 24% less. Four Seasons utilizes EPS within their insulated panels and when matched with their patio components, creates a strong, durable Patio Cover that can be used year round in even the harshest of summer conditions.
LifeRoom by Four Seasons is also manufactured utilizing EPS foam core and despite its highly technological components, LifeRoom uses less energy than a waffle iron. From remote-controlled screens, soothing blue LED mood lighting, and SoftBreeze/CoolMist technology, LifeRoom creates an outdoor oasis that allows you to enjoy everything you love about being outdoors with all the comforts of being indoors. The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today’s most energy-efficient lighting option. According to energy.gov, “LEDs…use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.” Additionally, widespread usage of LED lighting can generate a total savings of more than $30 billion within the United States alone! LifeRoom’s SoftBreeze and CoolMist technology takes advantage of energy-efficient laminate airflow and evaporative cooling respectively to cool down the room up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Evaporative cooling is the reduction in temperature resulting from the natural evaporation of a liquid which removes latent heat from an environment, a process that is 75% more energy-efficient than conventional air conditioners. This cooling process is based completely on natural processes which is far safer for the environment, since no foreign chemicals are being released to cool down a particular area. Additionally, since LifeRoom’s SoftBreeze and CoolMist system requires only enough electricity to power the pump and fan units, operational costs are cut in half and best of all, evaporative cooling is touted as emitting low CO2 emissions than that of other methods.
These home décor ideas are the first step to incorporating a greener way of life into your home. They are fun and easy ways to celebrate Earth Day. Allowing you to celebrate Earth Day every day. We would love to see how your projects came out, so post your photos of you recycling and reusing, for a cleaner today, a better tomorrow so we can all come together to “Protect Our Species.”
Celebrate Earth everyday with Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows line of energy-efficient, earth-friendly outdoor living solutions. Want to learn more about our products, visit us online at fourseasonssunrooms.com and get in touch with us today at 888-270-3546 for a free, no obligation design consultation.