The Department of Energy says we lose at least 25 percent of our heat through closed windows. That's a big waste of energy. Double glazing, storm windows, and weather-stripping help a bit, but the simplest fix is picking the right window treatments. The trade-off: Some of the most energy-efficient shades and curtains-including many high-tech solar, insulated, and cellular treatments-are environmentally unfriendly aggregations of volatile organic compound (VOC) emitters like mylar, holofil, and polyethylene. But there are alternatives.

Curtains and shades
When you want to keep your kid warm, you dress her in layers. The same goes for dressing windows-a lost art, thanks to decades of cheap oil. Hang panels or shades as close to the window as possible to create a small insulating space between the window and the room. Hang a second layer-two lengths of light cotton instead of a single heavier one, for example-and you get an additional line of defense. Curtains are most effective when they reach to the floor, giving children a great hiding place and something to swing from. If you think that makes shades a better choice, fit them well inside the windows. They insulate best when they're made with a dark layer on one side and a white, reflective one on the other, with the light side always facing the warmer air. During really cold winters, a quilted roller shade acts like a window comforter.

The greening In the past, white vinyl linings added reflectivity to curtains and shades. These days, the shift is toward more eco-friendly cotton and other natural fibers. (If you want organic, you'll have to make your own.) The tighter the weave, the better the fabric insulates against cold; in the summer, a loose weave filters out hot sunlight but allows the breeze to circulate through an open window.

Look for an R-rating in a range from R-2 to R-4, plus untreated cotton fabrics, and a good fit.

Blinds
Blinds are a great choice in the warm months. You can adjust the slats as the sun shifts, filtering the light to keep the room cool, shutting it out when the sun at its hottest, and letting in maximum light and air when possible. Plus, they look great with the simple wood eco-furnishings for kids that are gaining in popularity.

The greening Totally sustainable bamboo blinds, as well as wooden ones, have come into their own recently and lost their hippie rep. You'll find a wide variety to choose from.

Look for safety pulls that protect against young children getting tangled (or worse) in the adjusting strings; check out the range at Window Designer.

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