Most people shopping for window blinds generally only consider the color, design, and cost of these window treatments. However, there are many other things you should also look out for when choosing window blinds that can have a significant impact on your health and happiness. Here are two of them.

Greenguard Certification

If you suffer from a breathing condition such as asthma or are otherwise concerned about the air quality in your home, then you should make sure the window blinds you choose have Greenguard or similar certification. This endorsement ensures the blinds you are purchasing meet rigorous standards for low emission of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Volatile organic compounds are essentially chemicals that enter the air via evaporation when the liquid or solid form of a compound breaks down. Some VOCs are natural and necessary, such as the compounds that play a role in plant communication. However, VOCs typically found in manmade items such as furniture, paint, and fossil fuels can be harmful to human health. At minimum, these compounds pollute the air and can aggravate breathing conditions.

The VOCs in windows blinds come from chemicals used in the manufacturing process. These chemicals enter the air in your home as these components break down over time. Purchasing blinds with Greenguard certification helps ensure they are made with the minimum amount of chemicals to reduce the amount of VOCs emitted into your home, which can help protect the air quality in your living space.

Sustainable Forestry

If you're concerned about the environment and looking to purchase window blinds made from wood, then you should make sure the wood was harvested from sustainable forests. A sustainable forest is one where wood is harvested at a slower rate than the trees in the forest grow.

This is important because this type of forest management ensures that trees are replaced on a continual basis to provide a constant stream of natural materials for use and that wildlife habitats are protected. Additionally, keeping forest size at a constant level can help combat global warming, since trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

To ensure your wood window blinds are made from materials from a sustainable forest, look for certification from organizations such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council. More information about these and similar organizations can be found online.

For assistance with choosing the right window blinds for your needs and preferences, contact a professional like Sylvans & Phillips Drapes and Blinds.