With the threat of global warming looming ever closer, more and more people are becoming conscious of the environment, and the effect our everyday lives have on the world around us.
It is essential that we look after our planet for future generations, and our homes should be no exception. Here are some of the ways in which homeowners can redecorate and accessories their homes, without compromising the environment. Going green is easier than you may think.
Fixtures and fittings
There are a number of fixtures and fittings that can help to make a house more eco-friendly. Layers of insulation, good-quality double glazing, A-rated boilers, and drought excluders can all help to keep heat in and the cold out, ensuring homes remain toasty without the need for coal or gas guzzling fires or excessive central heating usage. Energy saving bulbs are a fantastic lighting solution, providing generous illumination without the negative environmental impact.
Eco-friendly flooring is also a big must. Think natural materials, such as recycled rubber for garages and utility spaces, and natural Linoleum, or even cork and bamboo inside the home; the former is easy to clean and maintain, while the latter is fast replacing other types of urban flooring, owing to its sustainable, durable and varied nature.
Furnishings
When furnishing a property, try not to think ‘brand new’, but ‘pre-loved’. Antique and vintage furniture is particularly good for the environment, and is very fashionable at the moment. Nothing says style like shabby chic! Rather than purchasing brand new items, try and redesign existing, or even second-hand pieces, adding a touch of your own personality along the way; it’s great fun, plus there’s a real sense of accomplishment when you see your new table, dresser, or wardrobe. Reclaimed wood is also a fantastic bargain; often available from specialist reclamation yards, it can be used to make furniture, fixtures, or even floorboards, plus it has bags of character to add to your home.
It goes without saying that pre-loved furniture works both ways; worn out furniture can be donated to charity shops, second-hand stores or antiques fairs, ready to be loved by a new household.
Another option is to purchase furniture from a responsible manufacturer; the Ercol range by Furniture Village, for example, is crafted using the finest sustainable sourced British elm, beech, ash and oak trees. It isn’t difficult to find eco-conscious companies these days; many manufacturers will now source their wood responsibly, helping us to furnish our homes without the massive carbon footprint attached.
Adding a splash of color
Decorating, and the clean up afterwards, can be particularly damaging to the environment. It is therefore important to research materials, chemicals and accessories carefully before using them in an Eco-friendly home. More manufacturers than ever are offering green alternatives, providing some stunning solutions to home decor without the Eco-guilt.
Many paints contain VOC, or Volatile Organic Compounds. These are incredibly bad for the environment, as well as humans; try sourcing paints and cleaning chemicals with little or no VOC, such as clay paints, which work just as well as their more volatile cousins, yet cause little, if any impact on the world around us. Other fantastic options for a greener home include recycled wallpaper, adding a touch of vintage class without the carbon footprint, and homemade decorations and accessories, which give homeowners the opportunity to get creative with tired or worn pieces.
Recycled and responsibly sourced materials won’t compromise on quality, but can drastically reduce a home’s impact upon the environment. REMEMBER: just a small change can make a big difference.
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