Leading a sustainable lifestyle and in that way reducing your impact on our planet means so much more than just buying eco-friendly products. If you really want to make a true impact, you need to go green in all the aspects of your life.
This year consider incorporating sustainability and eco-friendliness into your home décor as well. Making eco-friendly and sustainable home decorating choices means you’re thinking about the well-being of your family, your environment, and your planet.
A sustainable home decorating isn’t just one style – it’s a mix of different styles that suits you and your family while still thinking about your impact on the environment. Sustainable decorating implies using second-hand furniture, upcycling what you already own, rearranging your home in an environmentally conscious way.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t buy new things. It just means that you have to choose things that have been made in a sustainable manner – with recycled material, for example.
So, if your goal this year is to reduce your carbon print on our lovely planet, take a look at this guide to sustainable home decorating.
Upcycling and DIYing
You don’t have to look really far if you want to start this sustainable home decorating journey. All you have to do is start with what you already have. There is probably some nice quality furniture in your home that would need some TLC, so start from there.
Upcycle items or furniture that you own and allow them to shine again. Upcycling means changing the look of the existing item by painting it or by reupholstering it. It also means repurposing it.
Upcycling and DIYing go hand in hand, so make sure you watch some DIY videos that will give you ideas on how to approach a certain item or furniture piece.
You’ll see just how much a simple coat of paint can transform any item.
Buying second-hand and vintage
When hunting for something “new” make sure you visit all the local thrift shops and garage sales. Not only will you be saving yourself a lot of money, but you’ll be recycling as well – and recycling means going green and eco-friendly.
You can source many nice and unique furniture pieces in thrift shops and yard sales, and buying second-hand doesn’t mean having to sacrifice quality. On the contrary, many times second-hand furniture is in great condition and it doesn’t require much upcycling.
Using non-toxic materials
Decorating a home in many cases means doing some renovations like painting walls or furniture. However, you must know that paint can be toxic and not very eco-friendly.
To avoid buying toxic and harmful materials when renovating and decorating your house, you must be aware that there are eco-friendly paints that won’t harm you or the environment.
Many toxic paints contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs which are used as the medium to transfer the paint from the can to the surface and they give the paint that distinct smell. Unfortunately, VOCs let off gases that are harmful to us and the environment.
The good thing is that there are many new brands of paints that are non-toxic and eco-friendly. Next time, before you choose a certain paint color, check to see whether they contain VOCs or not!
Using natural materials and plants to decorate
The easiest and most inexpensive way to decorate your home is by using nature and plants. Bring life to your space by adding house plants – they are great for decorating any space from the living room to the bathroom. Additionally, they bring many health benefits as they purify the air in your house and increase the amount of oxygen.
If you don’t really have a green thumb, don’t worry there is still hope for you. You can bring nature to your house by using natural materials and accents. Use raw materials such as wood, marble, stone, iron – these materials are durable and they have a sustainable quality which is exactly what you’re looking for.
For additional touches, you can decorate your home with freshly cut flowers. If you don’t have a garden to pick your flowers from, you can always order freshly cut flowers online. In no time you’ll have the flowers in your home and you’ll see their power to transform any place.
The important thing for sustainability is to create a permanent display of flowers by drying them or pressing them and framing, so this kind of décor lasts forever.
Potted plants are the most beautiful way of decorating your space and making your own botanical paradise.
Redecorating and giving away unwanted items
You don’t have to change a whole lot in your home to make it look completely different. All you need is a bit of redecorating to spice it up. Rearrange the layout of your rooms by moving around furniture and shelving, also you can start by changing or rearranging artwork.
If you want to get rid of items or furniture, donate or give it away. Also, think about repurposing it or recycling it. You can exchange items or furniture with friends and family.
Less plastic and more organic
Plastic has some greener and more sustainable substitutes. For whatever reason, we came to depend on the plastic when there are much more eco-friendly solutions.
Rather than using plastic in our everyday lives, we can invest in some other great materials that will be less toxic and that will last longer. Swap all your plastic containers for glass and wooden ones.
If you decide to throw a party at your place, you can very well do it with zero-waste. You can use reusable decorations, wooden cutlery, glass or metal straws, and many other green and eco-friendly party solutions.
With these sustainable décor ideas, you can make your home 100% green and eco-friendly. Take your time in creating a style you’d like and then try to incorporate all these sustainable decorating solutions. By doing this you’re ensuring that you don’t leave any negative impact on the environment.
Make sure you don’t throw away things that can be upcycled or repurposed. Make sure to donate or swap whatever you can. Be mindful of the materials you use in redecorating and renovating your home. Use more natural and organic materials.
All of these things will help us connect with nature and it will also help us create a more eco-friendly world.
Written by Alexis Walker
About the Author
Alexis is a Sydney-based part-time writer and a full-time mom of two. Her words carry the richness of her traveling and parenting adventures, and offer advice and inspiration to those who desire to improve their lives. Outside of the office, she takes pleasure in spending precious time with her youngsters and absorbing the happiness they constantly radiate. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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