Ready to greenify your living space WITHOUT spending all your savings?
Environmentally friendly sustainable home decor options have exploded in recent years. But why now? The answer is simple.
Changing up your living space can greatly impact both the planet and your pocketbook.
…and you don’t have to change EVERYTHING to make a difference.
In fact, you can start small. Baby steps if you will.
One easy swap at a time.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why environmentally friendly home decor is worth it
- Small changes with big impact
- How to shop for eco-friendly materials
- Budget-friendly tips for going green at home
Let’s jump in!
Why Going Eco-Friendly is Worth It
Making your home “green” is more than just a trend.
In fact, it’s becoming a lifestyle. And for good reason.
Everything in your home….paint colors, furniture, finishes….has an environmental impact.
Even the things you don’t see like the chemicals in fabric upholstery or wood finishing products.
But here’s the good news…
Consumers are taking notice.
A recent survey by PwC reported 8 out of 10 consumers are willing to spend more on products made using sustainable methods.
People are becoming more aware of how their purchases impact the planet.
And that’s a great thing!
When you make sustainable swaps around the house you’re investing in…
- Healthier air quality for your family
- Higher quality pieces that last longer
- A reduced carbon footprint during manufacturing + disposal
Wood finishing products are just one area that has come a long way. Brands like www.rmpfinishes.com are creating non toxic wood finishing products that protect your furniture + the environment. Look for low VOC wood stains and finishes to keep harmful chemicals out of your home.
Small DIY Projects that Help the Environment
You don’t have to tear down your walls and start from scratch to make eco-friendly improvements.
Here are some easy places to start. Pick one project and try it out!
As you get comfortable, move on to the next.
#1 Swap out synthetic textiles for natural fabrics
Cotton, linen, and hemp are all better options than polyester when it comes to bedding, curtains, upholstery, and more. Natural fibers are typically gentler on the environment because they are biodegradable + often made with fewer chemicals.
#2 Shop for furniture made from reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood furniture is a great way to give old wood a second life. Not only is reclaimed wood more durable and beautiful than new wood, but it also prevents usable materials from entering landfills.
#3 Swap traditional finishes for eco-friendly alternatives
The stains + finishes you use on wood furniture can contain harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These chemicals off-gas into your home’s air slowly poisoning your family. They also runoff into water systems damaging the environment. By switching to low VOC or better yet ZERO VOC finishes + stains you’ll protect your family + the earth.
#4 Hang some plants on your walls
Who doesn’t love plants? They naturally filter toxins out of the air creating a healthier space for your family. Indoor plants are also a gorgeous accessory. Decorate with plants.
How to Shop for Eco Friendly Materials (+Avoid Greenwashing)
As more companies jump on the sustainable bandwagon, it can be hard to know what’s legit + what’s “greenwashing.”
Greenwashing is when a company gives a false impression of their environmental practices.
You’ve probably seen things advertised as “all natural” that aren’t quite.
So how do you weed out the BS and find real sustainable products?
Look for any certifications. Certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) ensure your wood was harvested in an environmentally friendly way.
Check ingredients. Sustainable companies should have no problem sharing what goes into their products. If they won’t tell you what’s in that wooden furniture polish or fabric softener, that’s not a real sustainable brand.
Do your research. Look up the company’s environmental policy. Do they use green energy? Do they recycle old product containers?
Check for low-VOC or zero-VOC labels. Painting your walls? Furniture? Look for VOC free paint + wood finishing products. VOCs are chemicals found in most paints + finishes. They off-gas into the air causing illness.
When in doubt, don’t buy it.
Stick to finding sustainable swaps for things you already need to buy.
That way you can ensure you’re buying from a brand that aligns with your values.
5 Budget Friendly Tips for Going Green
Here’s a fun fact.
Decorating your home in an eco-friendly way doesn’t have to be expensive.
Check out these tips that won’t break the bank.
Buy secondhand first. Hit up thrift stores, estate sales, and look online for gently used furniture. This is the greenest thing you can do when furnishing your home.
Do it yourself. That dresser you scored at a garage sale? Some elbow grease and a non-toxic finish could make it brand new again. Give old furniture new life with a fun DIY project.
Invest in quality. Buy less, buy well. A few high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time are better than cheap furniture that will fall apart. Practice mindfulness when buying new pieces.
Upcycle what you have. Can that glass jar be a vase? Could that old worn blanket become some pillow covers? Get creative. There are tons of fun tutorials online for repurposing furniture and decor.
Focus on your bedroom and kitchen. If you’re looking to save some cash, start with your bedroom and kitchen. These are the rooms you spend most of your time in so you want them to be as toxin-free as possible.
How Going Green at Home Impacts the World
When you upgrade your living space using sustainable materials you’re doing more than just decorating your house.
You are creating a better world.
Okay, that sounded really cheesy. But stick with it.
Every time you buy an eco-friendly product, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.
That vote impacts manufacturers, distributors, and everyone in between.
Companies are listening + responding to consumers who care about sustainability.
In fact, a recent GlobeScan study found 49% of Americans purchased at least one environmentally friendly product last month. The number of Americans buying sustainable products is growing each year.
Buying sustainable = a better world for everyone.
Not to mention when you make one sustainable swap, that sparks something inside you. Maybe you start paying more attention to labels. Maybe you talk to your friends about it.
Before you know it, your small swap has the potential to create a chain reaction.
Like refinishing that old coffee table with non-toxic products. Maybe your neighbors see it + want some tips. Perhaps a friend stops over and asks where you got your shelves? Reclaimed wood shelves from Hobby Lobby. Bam! You just planted another seed.
That’s how change happens.
Small by small.
HOME-Ecology Wrap Up
Changing your entire home to use non-toxic products overnight is overwhelming. AND it’s not realistic.
Start small and focus on one room or one swap at a time.
Here’s your quick eco-friendly home decor cheat sheet:
- Look for natural, non-toxic materials first
- Shop secondhand and upcycle what you already own
- Invest in high-quality pieces that will last
- Research companies to make sure they walk the walk
- Focus on high traffic rooms in your home
Remember, little changes equal BIG impact.
Your home can be beautiful, healthy, and eco-friendly all at the same time.
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