Finding trendy decore and stylish furnishings to complement your home is easy with big retailers and online shopping. Although, oftentimes these stores, their shipping processes, and the materials that they use are harmful to the environment.
Related: The Full Guide to Sustainable Furniture
The next time you find yourself in the market for a new couch or lighting fixture, consider going green. Swapping out plastics and revamping home staples instead of running to your closest Pottery Barn can make a big difference. If you want to make your home more eco-friendly and beautiful, use these 7 sustainable decorating tips.
What is Sustainable Decorating?
If you are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of sustainable decorating, look no further. While sustainable decorating may sound tricky and something that only someone with a green thumb can do, this isn’t the case. You easily can decorate your home with sustainable furnishes and materials as long as you are conscious of the environment.
Recent research shows that 9 million tons of furniture are added to landfills every year. This number seems intangible and far removed from our actions. However, we can all make a difference by cutting down on our consumption of non-decomposable decorations to improve environmental problems.
Eco-Friendly Decorating Tips
We all know how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Take this idea a step further and practice it in your own home using these tips. By shopping second-hand and locally, you can decorate your home sustainably in no time.
Reuse furniture
It can be tempting to press order on your online shopping cart when your pillows from last year are looking a little dreary. However, you can easily revamp old furnishings by adding a few stitches to fabrics. Get creative with it!
Related: 5 Thrifty Places to Find Used Furniture and Home Appliances Online
Buy locally
You may not realize how many fossil fuels and harmful pollutants are released when you order something online. Furniture can come from warehouses all over the planet, which can be costly for the environment. Visit your local furniture stores, farmer’s markets, and aim to cut down on your carbon footprint.
Be green-conscious
When hitting the mall or your favorite furniture store, it can be easy to put environmental problems on the back burner. Check the materials that are used in a pillow or couch before buying them and where they come from.
Cut back
It’s easy to get wrapped up in purchasing material goods. With countless advertisements and trends, cut back on your spending to save the environment and your bank account. Try a “no-buy” furniture month to effectively pause your shopping sprees!
Limit plastics
Plastic decorations and home items are detrimental to the environment. Avoid using a bag at the grocery store and opt for eco-friendly items. Plastic straws, wipes, and cardboard boxes are some of the most environmentally damaging products.
Thrift
There are tons of material gems that are hiding out in your local thrift store. Thrifting has become trendy these days, with countless people discovering valuables and collectibles. There’s no harm in trying it out if you are looking for a vintage, sleek look in your home.
Don’t follow trends
We all know how tempting it is to follow the latest trends in home decorating. However, following trends can lead to an overload of furniture. You can follow new styles in small-scale redecorating by revamping furniture that you already have.
Conclusion
Take the first step and be eco-conscious decorating by thrifting, limiting your plastic use, and putting the environment first in your home. Hope this helps you to learn more about how to take green actions in your home.