Love your living room
These simple tips will lead to a budget- and eco-friendly relaxation space.

Accent your area.

Lay a few area rugs down on hardwood, tile or linoleum for a carpetlike effect without harmful glues. Choose rugs made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo and sisal, and look for vegetable dyes or no dye at all. Rugs made from recycled materials are another green option. Abundant Earth offers durable Recycled Cotton Rag Area Rugs in many colors starting at $55 each; www.AbundantEarth.com.

Set the mood.

Turning the lights down makes for an inviting atmosphere, and it saves electricity. A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) has a 10,000-hour lifespan. New low-wattage CFLs work with conventional incandescent dimmers and cost about $20 per bulb. Visit www.GELighting.com to find them.

Found it.

Finding free or cheap furnishings is tons of fun, and your budget will thank you. Check Craigslist (www.Craigslist.org), Freecycle (www.Freecycle.org), thrift stores and curbside pickup for unique pieces that need a makeover. Turn trash into treasure by giving your "new" items a safe, eco-friendly cleaning (check out "Fresh Finds," page 15). Breathe new life into hand-me-downs by reupholstering with fresh, breathable fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp or linen (see "Reduce, Reuse, Rethink," page 63).

Lose the shoes.
Here’s an easy one: Take your shoes off when you enter your home. Shoes track traces of dirt, dust and other toxins into the house, which leads to poorer air quality and more vacuuming and cleaning.Designate a place near your entryway for footwear.

Create a healthier kitchen
Follow this recipe to reduce, reuse and recycle.