Eco-Friendly Fabric and Decorating Options

Utilizing recycled or reclaimed materials saves resources -- and often saves energy as well. It also extends the useful life of the materials, keeping them out of the waste stream.

Recycled glass, metal, paper, plastic, and textiles are incorporated in all kinds of housewares. You'll find recycled glass dinnerware, decorative bowls made from recycled paper, duvets sewn from vintage bed linens, vases made from recycled copper, and rugs made from old wool sweaters. Wood that's reclaimed from old buildings, boats, or wine barrels is used for picture frames, cutting boards, or baskets.

Seek out items that contain materials you can recycle in your community. If a product is made from more than one type of material, see if you can take it apart for recycling. Metal is particularly recyclable. Scrap metal recycling centers will pay for even small amounts of copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, and stainless steel. You can bring old flatware or candlesticks to these centers (and they're also accepted in many curbside recycling programs).