A lot of the heating and cooling energy you are paying for each month could be going right out the window.  Whether you live in a warm climate or a cool climate, insulated drapes, curtains, or window blinds can help you save energy and reduce power bills by providing a barrier that reduces drafts, and blocks hot sunlight in the summer months.

And, no, insulated drapes don’t have to look like the ones your grandma bought in 1972!  Insulated window treatments are widely-accepted as a green living necessity, and are available in lots of modern styles.

These tab-top drapes come in several shades, and are insulated on the back side with a 100% acrylic lining.  They come in several sizes, up to 160″ x 84″.  Matching valances are optional.  I found the insulated curtains at Plow and Hearth.

When choosing curtains, draperies, and window blinds for a green home, it’s important to know exactly what you’re buying. Window treatments are an often overlooked source of indoor air pollution due to toxic plastics and sealants. Here are a few suggestions for choosing eco-friendly window treatments and coverings.

Bamboo Blinds: Bamboo is a wonderful and sustainable resource for green living. When choosing bamboo window treatments, it’s important to select styles that do not contain any toxic sealants or wood finishing products. Non-toxic window treatments usually have indicate that on the label or box.

Natural Silk Curtains: Produced by the silkworm, silk is a natural protein fiber that can be found in curtains, sheers, and other household items such as silk bed sheets. Like bamboo, silk can sometimes be treated with toxic fabric protectors and fire retardants, so look for manufacturers committed to non-toxic production.

Flax Linen Curtains: Curtains and draperies made with 100% flax linen are an environmentally friendly window treatment option. Natural flax is a rich beige color that works well with just about any color scheme.