A sustainable home is a happy home. Although we live in an age that promotes endless spending in the name of consumerism, caring about the environment is the best thing one can do to make this world a better place. And many things start at home. So making your household more eco-friendly is a great way to honour the environment. However, it’s also important to make your living space stylish, in order to feel at peace whenever you’re there. So for that reason, here are some tips and ideas that will help you make that happen.
Buy second-hand furniture
This is the easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint. Pre-loved furniture, especially pieces that date a long time ago, are often made of better materials which is why they’re so long-lasting. Pre-loved furniture is also easier to refurbish and redesign if that’s your goal. The easiest way to find unique pieces is through online shopping sites such as eBay, or even better, feel free to browse local vintage stores and flea markets. If you know someone who sells locally, then that’s the easiest way to find some amazing pre-loved furniture pieces.
The choice of wood matters a lot
Deforestation is a huge issue that plagues communities all over the world, from Brazil to Canada. So in order to reduce deforestation, it’s important to buy furniture made of ethically sourced wood. If you’re buying a new piece of furniture, then look for a relevant logo that indicates that the piece has been made of reclaimed wood. The choice of wood is important not only when it comes to furniture, but also regarding other renovations, such as building a porch, for example.
Use low-VOC paints
Repainting walls or cabinets can seriously transform your living space for the better. However, many commercial paints contain harmful chemicals called VOC or volatile organic compounds. These are quite dangerous as they release toxic emissions, and thus pose a threat to your health. Until recently, all the paints contained them, however, with new developments, it’s now possible to find low-VOC paints that are much healthier alternatives.
Buy stylish and long-lasting carpets
Carpets and rugs can bring warmth and familiarity to your living space. Having a carpet in your home is popular all over the world, from Hong Kong to Tunisia. Carpets are also extremely prone to tearing as we walk all over them without paying much attention. This is why it’s crucial to buy long-lasting chunky carpets that will be able to endure this. Thicker carpets are a much better choice if you’re looking to make your home more eco-friendly as they last longer and provide more warmth during the winter, which is so important mainly when it comes to reducing energy bills.
Add potted plants
Potted plants are the perfect addition to your home, as they’re beneficial on so many levels. They purify the air, while also making the space more beautiful. Converting carbon dioxide into oxygen is a big task, and you can count on houseplants to do that. It’s up to you to decide which plants to include, but if you’re new to this, then it’s best to opt for those that require very little maintenance. Chinese money plant, aloe vera, snake plant and various succulents are, therefore, the safest choices if you lack sufficient experience when it comes to caring for houseplants.
Be smart when choosing decor pieces
If you enjoy hanging up various wall art, then it’s important to support local artists in your community. Sure, feel free to buy anything you like, but supporting local talent is a great way to reduce pollution related to the transport of various goods. Aside from wall art, you might want to consider buying other locally-sourced decor items such as vases, ashtrays, candles and other similar items. Choosing the right decor pieces can have a profound effect on your home.
Plan all your renovations accordingly
If you’re looking to fully renovate your living space, then it is crucial to do so accordingly. If possible, create a renovation checklist and then stick to it. This will help you remain on track, plus you won’t be wasting energy, water and other resources on unplanned circumstances that arise from lack of organization. Redecorating/renovating your space requires planning and preparation, so be sure to take that seriously.
Eco-friendliness and sustainability are crucial, especially when it comes to your household. These tips will help you spruce up and properly maintain your living space while also contributing to the environment.
