Renew and improved

Before
Coffee tableThis table is made of particleboard that contains urea-formaldehyde, which is linked to many health problems, including cancer. If it ends up in the landfill, the wood will eventually decay, but the residue of the formaldehyde will not.

Bookshelf It is factory-produced and also treated with chemicals, which means it takes a lot longer to break down in a landfill.

Window treatments None are used, which will mean higher heating and cooling energy costs and higher usage of gas/oil.

Pillows/blanket These are made from synthetic materials, which do not break down easily and will eventually just take up space in a landfill.

After
Carpet tile It’s manufactured by eco-friendly InterfaceFLOR, a company that refuses to use natural materials that cannot be easily and rapidly replaced. Plus, the backing on each tile is made up of some recycled materials. $7–$17 per tile at interfaceflor.com.

IVAR shelving unit This IKEA shelf is made from a renewable and recyclable source: solid wood. Plus, the store only uses wood from responsibly managed forests. $60 at IKEA (two suburban locations, ikea.com).

ORGEL floor lampThe shade is made from recycled paper, and using a 20-watt fluorescent bulb reduces energy consumption, which in turn helps cut down on the emissions that contribute to global warming, acid rain and smog. $30 at IKEA.

Bamboo Roman shades Bamboo is one of the most popular renewable resources, as it can replenish itself within a ten-year period. $30 each at Target (locations throughout the city, target.com).

Fish in vases The vases are made of glass, which can be easily recycled. And the fish, well, they don’t so much help the environment. We just think they look pretty. Vases, $6 each at IKEA. Fish, 30 cents each at PetSmart (locations throughout the city, petsmart.com).

Pillows and throw The pillows are covered with a fabric that’s made from 25 percent postconsumer recycled content, and is 100 percent recyclable ($54/yard at Designtex, 3-121 Merchandise Mart; 312-321-1204). The supersoft throw blanket is made of cotton and renewable bamboo. $79 at Pottery Barn (locations throughout the city, potterybarn.com).

SlipcoverThe two tables and chair added to the room were previously used purchases from the Brown Elephant (locations throughout the city, howardbrown.org). Reusing furniture helps reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, so we kept the sofa and added an organic cotton slipcover. $130 at Bed, Bath & Beyond (locations throughout the city, bedbathandbeyond.com).

Total makeover cost: $719