Are you on a mission to make your home more eco-friendly?
Moving into a new home or giving your house a makeover is pretty exciting, as we can decorate it how we like, adding personal touches to make it feel like home.
Although the decorating world doesn’t have the same environmental impact as the fast-fashion industry, today people are updating their home decor more frequently. Therefore, it is important to consider how your decor choices impact the environment and your carbon footprint.
You can become a pioneer in eco-friendly decorating by making smart, informed decisions like using non-toxic materials to thrifting and upcycling furniture. Read on to find out more!
10 Eco-Friendly Ways to Decorate Your Home
Non-Toxic Paint
Did you know, that nearly 10 billion gallons of paint are used every year, but only 30% contain water-based and low volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
While most VOC-based paints are harmless, some contain potentially lethal carcinogens which can emit VOCs for years inside your home, posing ongoing threats to your health.
When selecting paint to decorate your home, always opt for paint that is low in VOCs, or even better, zero VOCs.
Eco-Friendly Wallpaper
Globally, less wallpaper is used as paint, however, since the year 2000, an area equivalent to the size of India has been lost to deforestation because of the global paper industry, and wallpaper contributes to that.
When selecting wallpaper for your home, choose one that is either compostable, biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable. Some companies will also plant a tree per every roll of eco-friendly wallpaper, so selecting a sustainable brand is also important.
Organic Fabrics
No home is complete without soft towels, linens, and blankets, but many contain synthetic fibres that leach plastic into our waterways when they are washed.
When shopping for new towels, linens, and blankets, find items made from natural fibres and organic cotton. The most sustainable materials include bamboo and hemp, and while they may cost a bit more, they will last longer, and you can snuggle up knowing that you are doing your bit for the planet.
Furniture Made from Natural Materials
Furniture shopping can be overwhelming, but, with the decor trends straying towards minimalistic and neutral colours, natural materials like wood or bamboo will give your home that fresh look over plastic furniture.
If the wooden or natural look isn’t for you, then try and stray away from leather and choose vegan, animal-friendly furniture that doesn’t use chemical coatings.
Buy Handmade Items
Handmade items give your home that personal touch. Although it may cost you more upfront, handmade items usually last much longer, plus when you buy a handmade item, you are supporting local businesses and someone’s livelihood.
If you don’t know where to start, Etsy is fantastic for handmade items!
Thrift & Buy Second Hand
From furniture to little treasures for your home, your local thrift/charity shop is a great place to find items at a fraction of the price of buying them new or online, plus you can usually find some unique, vintage handcrafted bargains too!
Alternative shopping like this is more sustainable as you are recycling decor items.
DIY & Upcycle
Even if you are not the most creative person, making some DIY home decor, or even furniture is great fun, while contributing to a more eco-friendly home.
There are so many great deals on the web, from Facebook Marketplace to eBay, you can find all sorts of treasures, that you can buy second-hand.
Another option to make your home more beautiful is to upcycle what you already have. If you have any leftover paint, wallpaper, or fabric off-cuts, spend a few minutes looking on Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration and give your home a makeover.
Buy Soy Candles
Whether you are winding down in a bubble bath or cuddling on the sofa with hot chocolate in the winter, candles create a peaceful and soothing atmosphere after a long day.
However… One thing you probably didn’t know, is that when paraffin-based candles are burned, they release carcinogenic toxins and soot into the air. In fact, many of the emissions from paraffin-based candles contain the same toxins produced when burning diesel fuel.
Premium-quality soy or beeswax candles have a strong fragrance, they usually last longer, and they are made from renewable, natural resources. Opting for soy/beeswax candles also provides your home with a safer and more environmentally-friendly atmosphere.
Add Plants
Adding real living plants to your home (known as biophilic design) has many benefits:
They add green colour to your space
They reduce stress
They increase creativity
They act as air filters, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen
They remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air
Some plants increase humidity, which helps soothe respiratory problems
When growing your own plants, you can also get creative by upcycling kitchen pans, coffee pots, or empty cans to plant them in!
Go Plastic-Free
Going plastic-free is not only beneficial for the planet, but it also looks awesome too!
When storing items around your home, use glass containers over plastic packaging to reduce single-use plastics and to give your home a design statement.
There are many plastic-free packaging websites and zero-waste stores where you can buy all your storage and household needs.
So, if you are looking for ways to make more sustainable decisions inside your home, why not try some of these 10 eco-friendly decor ideas.
Have fun with it, add your own personal touches, and remember it doesn’t have to be perfect to feel like “home sweet home”.
Written by Darby Bonner