The term ‘environment’ can mean two things. First, it can be used to refer to this planet’s ecosystem, which is delicately balanced to ensure human survival. Secondly, the environment can also be used to refer to a specific location in which we live. For example, our homes are our everyday environment. Indeed, it is this connection between the two types of the environment on which we will focus in this post – specifically how choosing more sustainable items in the latter, can help preserve the former. Read on to find out more.
Decorate your walls with eco-friendly wallpapers
The first way you can decorate your home more sustainably is to pick out wall coverings that are eco-friendly. To do this you will need to look at the materials they are made from as well as the processes used to print them. This is because there can be quite a bit of waste from the printing process which can negatively affect the ecosystems where it is dumped. Instead, look for hand-printed papers, on sustainable materials like unbleached paper.
Support local businesses and artisans
Another way that you can up your interior design sustainably is by shopping with local businesses. This is because when buying locally, your products will not need to be shipped so far, something that means less use of fuel in the process.
Additionally, local artisans are much more likely to use eco-friendly practices when making their pieces. They are usually happy to answer any questions about their processes as well, so be sure to have a conversation before you buy.
Consider buying pre-loved products
Pre-love or second-hand products are also a great way of shopping for your home sustainably. Indeed, by choosing vintage, or preloved products you can benefit the environment twice. Once in that, you are not creating any additional waste in the manufacturing process, and then again that the piece you choose to use will not end up in a landfill.
Of course, you may wish to restore or even upcycle older pieces to ensure they suit your needs. Just be sure to choose sustainably sourced materials like paint as you do this.
Source for sustainable suppliers
It’s not only customers that are concerned with sustainability these days, suppliers and makers are too, especially in the home furniture field. The good news is that this means finding beautiful pieces that are made from responsibly sourced wood like the ones offered by Created Hardwood is much easier than it used to be. The great thing about such pieces is that they are built to last too, which means you won’t have to worry about replacing them any time soon.
Choose non-toxic flooring
While carpet is one of the most popular and comfortable types of flooring on the market, many people do not realize that it can also have a terrible effect on the environment, both at large and in your home.
The reason for this is that there are some pretty toxic chemicals, bleaches, and dyes that are used in the carpet manufacturing process. With this in mind, looking for a more eco-friendly option, or swapping to flooring in a natural material such as responsible source stone is best.