Lots of important stuff happens in April!
You've got the last hurrah of the frost (boo!), the beginning of spring, oooh... and April Fools Day, my favorite 
But alas, many forget about the not-so-celebrated Earth Day. You know, that one day where everyone remembers the Earth and tries to give thanks to it by not littering or helping to plant a tree! Yup...that's the one 
Well why limit it to just one day? Why can't it be something more permanant, something we all do year round?
Our friends over at Springs Window Fashions have got the right idea with their Green by Nature program. It's a whole lot more than just sticking a label on their products that says "Green Certified" or saying that they are "Eco-Friendly." They're making a really great effort that I think you should all know about if you're doing any decorating this month.
- The Big Three
These are the more Eco-Friendly type blinds, or ones that will give you the best value for your dollar in energy efficiency. It consists of Natural Shades, Cellular Shades, and Wood Blinds. If a more green product is what you're after, then these are what you'll want to spend some time looking into.
- Natural Shades are produced from natural, renewable resources, thus the name. These materials vary from Bamboo, Grass, Jute, and other naturally growing materials; cutting down on the impact on our environment.
- Wood Blinds are made from hardwoods taken from a processes known as "sustainable yield management", meaning that the amount harvested are far below the rate at which the trees grow. In addition to that, all components are 100% recyclable.
- Cellular type shades can really save your bottom line, by offering up to 25% off your energy bills, year-round. To get a better idea, check out their Energy Savings Calculator
- Plant 10 Trees
Partnering with The Arbor Foundation, Springs is working towards a goal of planting 100,00 trees this year in areas effected by deforestation or wildfires. Every purchase made after April 15th and registered with teh foundation, will go towards planting 10 trees in your local forestry. In 2010, they were responsible for 25,000 trees being planted in a Florida state forest.
You can take a look at more information about this initiative at their website -> here!
So how do you all feel about programs like this? Has anyone else had experience with "green decorating" that they would care to share?
