eco-friendly

Revamp Your Decor the Green Way

July 5, 2023 By Anne

Decor and sustainability don’t always go hand in hand, but it is possible to revamp your home in a way that is green and sustainable. As we become more conscious of our impact on the environment, it’s not just about recycling, reducing, and reusing; it’s about rethinking our approach to home decor.

By making sustainable and eco-friendly decor choices, we can create spaces that not only look beautiful but are also kinder to our planet. In this post, then, we will take a look at a few things you can do to revamp your decor in a way that contributes positively to the environment, without compromising on style and aesthetics.

Incorporate natural materials

One of the simplest ways to revamp your decor in a greener way is to incorporate more natural materials into your space whenever you can. Unlike synthetic materials, which often involve harmful manufacturing processes and aren’t biodegradable, natural materials are renewable and have a much lower environmental impact, and can often be recycled by you or someone else when you decide to makekeover your dcor once again.

Take, for instance, the rustic charm of an interior barn door. Crafted from solid wood, these doors bring a warm, organic feel to your space, all while being eco-friendly. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they are durable and can be sourced from sustainable wood, making them a green choice for interior design.

But the options don’t end there. Other eco-friendly materials include bamboo, which is a fast-growing renewable resource, and natural stone, which requires little processing. Cork and rattan are also excellent choices, being renewable and biodegradable. Natural textiles such as organic cotton, hemp, or linen are great for upholstery, rugs, and throws. Even reclaimed materials like recycled glass, metal, or reclaimed wood can be creatively used in your decor. By choosing materials that are responsibly sourced and have minimal impact on the environment, you can create a home that’s not only stylish but also sustainable.

Choose eco-friendly furniture

Furniture plays a critical role in any home decor – it is the thing that not only make sthe home look attractive, but that also makes it a comfortable space to spend time in too. However, not all furniture is created equal, especially when it comes to environmental impact. Many mainstream furniture items are made using non-renewable resources and may contain harmful substances like formaldehyde or flame retardants. That’s why choosing eco-friendly furniture is an important step in creating a greener home.

When shopping for furniture, it is a good idea to look for pieces made from sustainable materials like FSC-certified wood, recycled metal, or reclaimed wood if being green and sustainable is important to you. Also, consider the durability of the furniture. A well-crafted piece may initially cost more, but its longevity can make it more cost-effective and eco-friendly in the long run.

Additionally, buying second-hand is a great way to reduce waste and find unique, quality pieces because you will not be contributing to the use of finite resources. Visit local thrift stores, antique markets, or online platforms that sell pre-loved furniture, and you are sure to find an intereting piece of two that will probably have ore character than the new furniture you can buy right now, too. Finally, consider companies that adopt sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials, reducing emissions in their production process, or participating in tree-planting initiatives.

Opt for low-VOC paints

When revamping your decor, painting can dramatically transform a space. owever, traditional paints often contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), chemicals that can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. These compounds can cause headaches, dizziness, and can even lead to kidney and liver damage. They also contribute to air pollution and the formation of smog.

To minimize these risks, opt for low-VOC or VOC-free paints and finishes. These eco-friendly alternatives have reduced amounts of harmful chemicals, making them a safer choice for your health and the environment. They perform just as well as traditional paints and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Make sure to check the labels when purchasing paint, looking for certifications that verify the product’s low-VOC or VOC-free status. This simple switch can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of your home makeover.

Maximize natural light

One of the most eco-friendly ways to brighten your space is to maximize natural light. Natural light not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also creates a warm and welcoming environment. It can make your space look bigger and can even improve your mood and productivity.

To maximize natural light, consider the layout of your furniture. Arrange your space in a way that doesn’t block light from windows. Opt for light and sheer window treatments that allow light in while still providing privacy. Installing mirrors can also help to reflect light and illuminate dark corners.

For rooms that don’t have windows or lack sufficient natural light, consider installing a solar tube or skylight. These options can bring in natural light while also serving as a unique design feature.

Use energy-efficient lighting too

While maximizing natural light is a key part of green decor, it’s also important to choose energy-efficient artificial lighting for when the sun goes down. LED lights, for example, use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Consider also using dimmer switches or smart lighting systems, which can adjust light levels to suit your needs, thereby reducing energy consumption. Even small changes like turning off lights when you leave a room or utilizing task lighting can contribute to energy efficiency.

Embracing eco-friendly decor not only contributes to preserving our planet, but it can also create a space that’s uniquely beautiful and healthy. It’s fair to say that each and every choice you make has a dramatic impact on the world around you, as well as youe home, so be suerw to chosoe wisely, but remember, creating a green home isn’t about perfection; it’s about making more conscious, sustainable choices one step at a time.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

6 Innovative Home Upgrades to Promote Improved Sustainability

January 12, 2023 By Anne

Photo by Los Muertos Crew:

Sustainable living is becoming increasingly important as the effects of climate change become more apparent. Thankfully, there are several ways to make your home more sustainable that won’t break the bank. From energy-efficient appliances to smart thermostats, you can make many simple yet effective upgrades to help reduce your carbon footprint and live an eco-friendly lifestyle. Here are six innovative home upgrades that promote improved sustainability:

Solar Panels:

Installing solar panels is an excellent way to improve sustainability and save money on electricity bills in the long run. Not only do they provide a renewable source of energy, but they also require minimal maintenance once installed. Additionally, solar panel systems have come down significantly in cost and can power a whole house if enough are installed. You can also get creative and use solar panels to power small appliances such as water heaters or lights, making for a more efficient home.

LED Lighting:

LED lighting is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability in your home. LEDs last longer than most other lightbulbs, so you won’t have to replace them as often. Additionally, they use much less energy and produce less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you can save money on your electricity bill each month.

Smart Thermostats:

Smart thermostats are a great way to ensure that your heating and cooling systems are running efficiently while also saving you money. Smart thermostats can detect when the house is occupied and adjust the temperature accordingly, which helps reduce energy consumption. Additionally, most smart thermostats come with scheduled settings that allow users to control their home’s climate from their smartphones or other connected devices.

Energy-Efficient Appliances:

Energy-efficient appliances can make a huge difference in the amount of electricity your home consumes. From washing machines and dishwashers to refrigerators and air conditioners, there are a number of energy-efficient options on the market that can help reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, many local utility companies offer incentives for purchasing high-efficiency appliances, so be sure to take advantage of these programs if you want to go green.

Water Conservation:

Water conservation is another important part of sustainable living. Installing low-flow fixtures such as showerheads and faucets can reduce water consumption in the home without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Additionally, collecting rainwater to water plants or cleaning can help conserve even more water. Finally, investing in efficient irrigation systems like drip lines or sprinklers can help keep your lawn looking its best while using minimal water.

Composting:

Composting is an easy and effective way to reduce food waste while also creating a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden. Invest in an outdoor compost bin and start throwing your kitchen scraps into it instead of the garbage can. With a little bit of work, you’ll have nutrient-rich soil that’s perfect for growing fruits and vegetables in no time.

By taking advantage of these simple home upgrades, you can make lasting changes that will help improve your sustainability and reduce your carbon footprint. As we move towards a greener future, small steps taken today can have big impacts in the long run. So don’t delay – take action now and start living sustainably!

Anne

Five Top Tips For An Eco-Friendly Backyard

December 28, 2022 By Anne

Via Pexels

1. Use Native Plants.

Native plants are well-adapted to your area’s climate and soil conditions, meaning that they require little water or maintenance once they’re established. Choosing native plants and trees for your garden will save you time, effort, and money while also helping to protect local wildlife and resources. Non-native plants, on the other hand, are often more likely to need additional water and fertilizer to thrive. They can also be invasive and harmful to native ecosystems.

2. Use Organic Fertilizers And Pesticides.

Many commercial fertilizers and pesticides contain toxic chemicals that can harm the soil, groundwater, and local wildlife. Organic products, on the other hand, are less harmful to the environment and can still help your plants grow strong and healthy. There are various things to look out for when choosing fertilizers and pesticides, such as choosing those that are not made from harsh chemicals and using them sparingly to reduce their impact on the environment.

3. Reduce Your Water Usage.

Watering your backyard regularly can negatively impact the environment if done during the incorrect times of the day. One simple way to reduce your water usage is by switching to a drip irrigation system, which allows you to control where and when the water goes. Watering plants at night can also help conserve water, as it reduces evaporation and helps the plant’s roots absorb more of the water that gets to them.

4. Consider An Energy-Efficient Outdoor Electrical System.

Outdoor electrical systems are often incredibly wasteful, using large amounts of electricity for lights or heaters that may only be needed occasionally. So by installing energy-efficient lighting and using a solar-powered heater to heat your swimming pool, you can reduce your electric bill while also doing your part to protect the environment. WayneSolar.com offers various solar power systems designed for homeowners looking to do their part in creating an eco-friendly lifestyle.

5. Recycle And Compost Your Yard Waste.

All of the plant matter and leaves from your garden have to go somewhere, which is why being able to properly recycle or compost this material is so important. You can consider using a compost bin or creating a corner in your backyard for a compost heap where you can easily add yard waste and let it break down over time. This reduces the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of and creates great garden compost that can be used to fertilize your plants.

Whether you want to create an oasis in your backyard or simply reduce your impact on the environment, there are many simple steps that you can take to make your outdoor space more eco-friendly. By focusing on these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the backyard of your dreams while also doing your part for the planet.

Anne

Eco Friendly Gift Ideas for Christmas

November 28, 2022 By Anne

Image Credit

Make this Christmas green and ethical by choosing gifts that align with your values and modern expectations. The days of unconscious gift buying could be coming to an end as more people see the benefits and necessities of supporting green supply chains and living a more ethical lifestyle. If you are stuck for green gifts to give this Christmas, read on for some starter ideas.

Glass Kitchen Set

Zero waste is a big deal these days as more household attempt to enter the circular economy; the trouble is that changing your lifestyle wholesale can be difficult and unrealistic. However, with the right mindset, you can slowly change the products and homeware you tend to use.

The perfect gift for a friend, couple, or family member, is a glass kitchen set that is stylish, practical, and completely refillable. How would you like to eliminate the plastic you use for your washing-up liquid and laundry detergent? Glass refillable kitchen sets are the best solution.

Organic Towel Set

Sticking with the ideas of practicality and eco-awareness, an organic towel set is an excellent choice for a family member, a friend, or a couple in your life. Towels tend to cut corners in the supply chain and use toxic chemicals in the dye and production methods. So, organic is better.

Organic towels are made from 100% organic and fairtrade cotton, so you can use your loved ones can use the towels with confidence, knowing that they have come from a sustainable source. The towel fabric is also kind to sensitive skin because it doesn’t use any chemicals.

Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolate is more sustainable than milk chocolate because it doesn’t contain animal products and therefore doesn’t support a carbon-heavy industry. Not only that, dark chocolates are cruelty-free and vegan. Dark chocolate can be used for easy reindeer chow this winter.

Fairtrade chocolates ensure that cocoa farmers and growers receive a fair price for their products and support suitable working conditions. Direct trade is even better; with direct trade, the chocolate sellers buy the raw materials directly from the farmers, growers, and workers.

Eco Clothing

Clothing always makes an excellent gift for friends and family members; people are always thrilled to receive a Christmas sweater, some hip t-shirts, or a pair of warm winter socks; the trouble is that clothing is one of the most polluting and harmful industries on the planet.

That doesn’t mean you can’t buy great clothing for your friends and family; it simply means you need to pay more attention to the materials used and the supply chains. A quick internet search online should give you plenty of ethical clothing brands to choose from, such as Patagonia.

Eco Subscription

Subscription services have become the norm in recent years, with everything from cars to television can be available on subscription. Subscriptions also make an excellent gift for Christmas; why not buy a loved one a subscription to a service, some monthly food, or support an animal with a wildlife subscription? These make excellent ethical gifts for Christmas.

Anne

7 Practical Tips For Constructing An Eco-Friendly Home

November 3, 2022 By Anne

I mage credit

Building an eco-friendly home is a great way to protect the environment. There are numerous advantages for the body and mind living in an eco-friendly home. For starters, it aids in lowering utility costs and saving more. Moreover, you can lower your carbon footprint while promoting a healthy indoor environment. Do you want to create an eco-friendly home but are unsure where to begin? Here are some practical tips worth considering.

Install proper insulation

Insulation is a crucial factor to consider when constructing an eco-friendly home. Indeed, most energy in your home is used for heating and cooling. However, heat loss is caused by air leaks around windows, doors, and ducting. Seeing this, you don’t want poor insulation to render your indoor cooling and heating ineffective. With proper insulation, your energy use and energy costs will drop significantly. You’ll find it helpful to use green insulation instead of non-renewable options. Green insulation leverages discarded and worn-out materials like denim and newspaper, so keep this in mind.

Build your home in the right location

Location is essential, making it essential to prioritize it. Experts advise against building your home westward, as that will reduce sun exposure. Consequently, avoid constructing a home in areas vulnerable to earthquakes, hurricanes, or flooding. You also want to ensure easy access to public transit, grocery stores, schools, offices, parks, and so on. This way, you can avoid driving all the time, reducing your footprint.

Utilize eco-friendly building materials

Using eco-friendly materials should be on your list, as they can lessen the environmental impact of construction. Every component of your home, from the cabinets and insulation to the flooring and roofing materials, should be sourced from renewable sources. Use natural items like bamboo, recovered lumber, recycled plastic, and recycled glass. Even natural paints, which easily degrade without releasing chemicals, help prevent harmful environmental effects, so feel free to consider them. When buying these paints, read the labels to ensure they have low VOC levels and avoid inhaling toxic substances.

Put up solar panels

Consider using solar energy, as it’s free, clean, and sustainable. You need solar panels to harness the sun’s energy, so keep this in mind. Even though it can be expensive, it can provide long-term benefits. For instance, Utilizing solar energy will reduce energy usage and generate extra energy. The amount of power you can gather can depend on your home’s location and how your solar panels are installed. Therefore, you’ll find it helpful to work with professional solar panel installers to achieve the best results, so feel free to consider this.

Use energy-efficient windows

The issue with improperly sealed windows and doors is that they allow air to enter and leave the house. As a result, your heating and cooling systems must work harder to maintain a steady temperature inside the house, wasting energy and increasing expenses. For an environmentally friendly home, think about selecting energy-efficient windows. These windows offer enough energy savings, so keep this in mind. As a tip, work with credible energy efficient window installation experts to get the best window options for your home. Good blinds will also add to your energy-efficiency, as they will help you to maintain a consistent temperature within the home by blocking out heat. Pay Half Price Blinds a visit if you want to find out more.

Consider Choosing Efficient Faucet Fixtures

According to the World Health Organization, one in three people experience water scarcity, and access to clean water for residential use is becoming increasingly challenging. By ensuring you’re only using the water you need, you can contribute to fixing the water problem and building an environmentally friendly home. Fixtures for the bathroom and kitchen are being changed in various ways to reduce their environmental impact. For instance, using electronic faucets enables the water to only run when necessary, using less water overall.

Invest in tankless water heaters and rainwater harvesting systems

When designing your eco-friendly home, install a rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater from rooftops and store it in a tank. Other uses for the gathered water include sprinkler systems and toilets. One of the most popular ways to collect rainwater today is with rain barrels. You do not have to wait for the water to heat up when using a tankless water heater. When using a tankless water heater, the amount of water heated is determined by how much water is used. Additionally, since it only heats the needed water, it reduces unnecessary energy expenditures. Secondly, you gain plenty of storage space by removing the hot water tank.

Building an eco-friendly home is beneficial for many reasons. Make sure to consider these solutions while creating the designs for your new home to contribute to environmental preservation.