If you’re looking for ways to reduce your environmental impact, eco-friendly decor is a great place to start. Sustainable decor is beautiful and can add personality to any room while also helping the planet. There are many different types of sustainable decor available, so you can find something that fits your style. Plus, sustainable decor is often more affordable than traditional decor, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious homeowners. Here are five reasons why eco-friendly decorators like Vikki Gerrard La Crosse believe you should include sustainable decor in your home:
The Benefits of Going Green
Sustainability is essential for many reasons. Sustainable living can help to preserve natural resources by reducing consumption and waste. It can also help to reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality. In addition, sustainable living can promote social and economic justice by supporting local businesses and Fair Trade practices.
When you choose sustainable decor for your home, you’re making a small but important contribution to these goals. Plus, sustainable decor is stylish and unique, giving your home a one-of-a-kind look.
The Environmental Impact of Home Decor
When you think about your home’s environmental impact, it’s easy to focus on the big things like energy efficiency and water conservation. But the truth is, even small choices can make a big difference. The average person spends about 90% of their time indoors, so the decor in your home significantly impacts your carbon footprint.
Furniture and home decor are typically made from virgin materials like wood, metal, and glass. These materials must be mined, extracted, or logged, which can damage ecosystems and release harmful chemicals into the air and water. In addition, the production of furniture and home decor requires a lot of energy and water. Once you add in shipping and transportation, the environmental impact of your home decor can be significant.
Choosing sustainable decor helps reduce your home’s environmental impact in a few ways. First, sustainable materials are often recycled or upcycled, so they don’t require new resources. Second, sustainable decor is usually made locally, which reduces shipping and transportation emissions. Finally, sustainable decor is often made from renewable resources, which have a lower environmental impact than non-renewable resources.
Sustainable Decor Materials
There are many sustainable materials you can choose from when decorating your home. Recycled materials like glass, metal, and plastic are great options for eco-friendly decor. Upcycled materials are even better because they’re made from waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. You can find upcycled decor at flea markets, thrift stores, and online.
Natural materials like bamboo, wool, and cotton are also sustainable options. These materials are renewable and biodegradable, so they have a lower environmental impact than synthetic materials. You can find natural decor at specialty stores and online retailers.
Finally, a few innovative sustainable materials are just starting to be used in home decor. Mycelium is a type of fungi that can be used to create sustainable insulation, packaging, and even furniture. Living walls are another innovative sustainable decor option. These walls are covered in plants, which help to improve indoor air quality.
Adding Personality to Your Space
Eco-friendly decor isn’t just good for the environment—it’s also stylish and unique. Sustainable decor is a great option if you’re looking for ways to add personality to your home. There are many different types of sustainable materials available, so you can find something that fits your personal style.
For example, if you love the look of hardwood floors but want to be more eco-friendly, consider reusing antique wood floors or refurbished wood. Vikki Gerrard La Crosse recommends using local hardwoods whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint further. Check salvage yards or online classifieds for wood flooring options in your area.
If you’re looking for something more modern, sustainable materials like cork can be used to create stylish and unique furniture and decor. Cork is a sustainable material made from the bark of cork oak trees. It’s durable, lightweight, and stylish. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain.
There are many different ways to use cork in your home. You can use it to make furniture, flooring, walls, and even art. Cork is also a popular material for sustainable fashion. Sustainable fashion is a growing trend, and many eco-conscious designers use cork to create unique and stylish clothing.
Affordable and Accessible
The two biggest myths about sustainable decor are that it’s expensive and difficult to find. But the truth is sustainable decor can be more affordable than traditional decor, and it’s easier to find than you might think.
A great way to practice sustainability on a budget is by furnishing your home by thrifting. Vikki Gerrard La Crosse believes thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces are full of hidden treasures that can be reused or repurposed to fit your home. Thrifting is also a great way to support your local economy and reduce transportation emissions.
Many sustainable home decor retailers sell affordable eco-friendly products. These retailers often sell sustainably made products, upcycled goods, or vintage items. You can find these retailers both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
Finally, you can always DIY your sustainable decor. If you’re crafty, there are many ways to repurpose old materials into new home decor. You can also learn how to make eco-friendly products yourself. For example, you can make your own cleaning products, beauty products, or even furniture.
Final Thoughts
Sustainable decor is a great way to add personality to your home while reducing environmental impact. There are many different types of sustainable materials available, so you can find something that fits your personal style. Plus, sustainable decor is more affordable and accessible than you might think. If you’re looking for ways to make your home more eco-friendly, consider using sustainable decor.
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