Happy Earth Day! We’ve come a long way in our environmental awareness, whether it’s how we conduct our business, the car we drive, the light bulbs we use, or what we feed our families. However, it’s clear much more can be done to protect our planet and I think we’d all love to do more. But let’s face it: all that eco-buzz and eco-options (yes, I’m making up words!) can be overwhelming, even when it comes to decor.
HGTV has constructed a Smart Home, using all the latest greatest eco-friendly materials and technology, but unless you’re building from the ground up, much of those features are out of reach for us ordinary homeowners.
So what about the rest of us? The ones that want to make better, more eco-friendly choices for our homes? Here are some simple things to keep in mind…
When you’re upgrading one project at a time, think eco-friendly. Many of us can only afford to upgrade our homes a project or two at a time. So if your old leaky faucet has to be replaced, research your eco-options, like this Moen fixture.
Manufacturers love to point out the green and energy saving aspects of their products. Search websites and read reviews to get the most environmentally sound option for your money.
New countertops in the offing? Consider recycled glass or other natural products.
Highlight your home’s originality, rather than tearing it out. Think about preserving what is unique to your home, rather than adding more debris to our landfill as you renovate. Rustic brick walls, wood beams, original molding can all be incorporated into contemporary spaces.
Try re-thinking how these items may be used for visual interest.
Use eco-friendly supplies when you redecorate. Almost every paint manufacturer now offers a low or no-VOC interior paint. While you may pay a little more for these, no-VOC paints are a great way to keep the air quality in your home at its best.
Choose organic and/or 100% natural fabrics to use in your decor. The most eco-friendly fabrics are labeled as such, highlighting environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Check your tags or think 100% natural when making your selections.
Eco-friendly decor also can be functional, as is the case with SmartStrand® carpet and area rugs by Mohawk Flooring. With lifetime stain and soil resistance that’s built in, this rug also is made from renewable resources.
Reuse and rehab. This is the fun part of eco-friendly decorating for me! Rather than buy new, check your local flea markets and thrift stores for pieces of furniture that you can makeover. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint and a few modifications are all you need to take a piece from junk-tion to function in your home.
Try to look at outdated objects with a new purpose in mind, like these old light bulbs as non-electrical outdoor decorations.
My friend, Kelly, rescued an old dresser and it serves as a bright planter on her porch now…
Reusing and rehabbing takes some creativity, but Pinterest is a fabulous source for creative uses of items you may already have on hand. My “Projects I’d Love to Try” board is loaded with great ideas I’ve pinned from other inspiring bloggers and websites. Check it out here and follow me here.
Raid your pantry. One of the simplest ways to go green! Some of the foodstuffs you have on hand in your pantry can make the loveliest decorations.
Think coffee beans, split peas, and lentils for your clear glass containers. Use tea to stain fabric, instead of purchasing dye. Empty cans and jars make excellent containers for organizing and display and can be fun to embellish, too.
Does green decorating still seem overwhelming? Being eco-conscious doesn’t happen easily or overnight. It takes thought, research, intention, and some creativity, too. But don’t let that discourage you! Just take baby steps, realizing that any change and every change can make a difference!
What are your favorite tips for eco-friendly decorating? I’d love to hear them in the comments. For more decorating ideas and inspiration, I invite you to visit my blog Decor & More.
My daughter is heading off to college to major in environmental sciences. She has us all finding ways to reuse and recycle! We recycle all our glass food jars and now use those to store left overs or to pack lunches. We’ve eliminated most of our plastic rubbermaid collection, but I noticed on a recent Target run that they now have their own glass storage line!