Redecorating your home can be a fun and rewarding experience. It can also be a great way to save money and help the environment. If you want to be sustainable and save money, why not start with your home?
These are some sustainable home decorating ideas that will help you get started.
Use Recycled Materials
One of the easiest ways to be sustainable is to use recycled materials. You can find these at most hardware stores or online. They’re usually cheaper than the new versions and the quality is often just as good. You might use recycled tin cans as planters or old wood pallets as wall art. There are also a lot of benefits to using recycled glassware — you can create beautiful and unique home décor and save money simultaneously.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting accounts for up to 40 percent of your home’s energy usage. Therefore, switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make your home more sustainable.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, too—up to 25 times longer! Not only will you save money on your energy bills, but you’ll also reduce your environmental impact.
Opt for Sustainable Furnishings
When shopping for new furniture, look for pieces made from sustainable materials like bamboo, wool, organic cotton, or recycled plastic. You can also find furniture made from reclaimed wood, an excellent way to give new life to old materials.
Choose Low-VOC Paints and Stains
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released into the air as gases from certain solids or liquids. They can be in various household products, including paints and stains. VOCs can have adverse health effects, so choosing low-VOC options is essential when redecorating your home.
Look for Green Seal or LEED certification products, which indicate they meet strict standards for low VOC content.
Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint. They can also save you money by providing free energy from the sun. If you’re not ready to install solar panels, you can still use solar power with solar-powered appliances and devices.
Reduce Water Consumption
Water is one of our most precious resources, so you should use it wisely. There are several ways to reduce your water usage at home, including:
- Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets
- Collecting rainwater in a rain barrel
- Using drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping
- Fixing leaks promptly
By taking some simple steps to reduce your water consumption, you can help protect this valuable resource.
Sustainable home decorating is about more than choosing eco-friendly materials—it’s also about considering a product’s whole life cycle. Every step of a product’s life impacts the environment, from production and transport to use and disposal.
When you make sustainable choices, you can help reduce your environmental impact and make your home more comfortable and inviting. Try some of these sustainable home decorating ideas to get started.
