I am so excited to share this post with you guys!
You guys know that I am extremely passionate about designing homes that are not only beautiful but functional. I want you to just simply feel good in your own home. You have to make A LOT of choices when designing a home, and the choices I make as a designer are not only good for you, but also good for the environment. I take time to source quality products that will last, incorporate those those precious pieces you love (sometimes give them a little makeover), and make sure we are using sustainable materials as much as possible.
Since today is Earth Day (yay!), I wanted to share with you some of these tips by outlining 5 ways you can make your home more eco-friendly!
Think Green with Houseplants and Herbs
A few year ago, NASA conducted an experiment with different houseplants and found that certain plants can drastically help purify the air in your home. You know I love plants, here are just a few of my favorite pulled from the list: Pothos, Aloe, Snake plant, Peace Lily, Parlor palm, Pygmy Date palm, Areca Palm, Boston fern.
If you have been able to keep your houseplants alive, then try growing your own herbs! There are so many fun and modern ways you can build your own herb garden, even when you think you don’t have the space.
Pothos hangin plants via Home to Love
Parlor Palm via The Sill
Vertical Wall Garden via Sugar and Cloth
Herb Garden inspo via Pinterest
Shop Smart for Your Furniture and Home Decor
Invest in pieces made of sustainable materials. Sustainable materials that are natural, renewable and use less energy to extract.
Things to look for: Use recycled materials if you can, glass, stainless steel, bamboo, clay, stone sand, etc.
Things to avoid: plastic, rattan, seagrasses, teak, eucalyptus
Remember: Cheap furniture is like fast fashion, it isn’t made to last. It causes more waste and a lot of the materials used in cheaper furniture are not biodegradable.
Dining Set via Etsy
Dipped Clay Pot via Anthropologie
Up-cycle Old Furniture and Decor
This one is super simple, just take some thing old and make it new! You can sand it, paint it, upholster it, or turn it into something completely different. I am a big fan of thrift store finds, especially if you can find some interesting wall decor or vintage glassware.
Upcycled vase
Mid Century Modern Chairs via The Kitchy Kitchen
Vintage Bar Accessories via The Kitchy Kitchen
Dip Paint Thrift Store Art via Domino
Make Vintage Art Modern - DIY inspiration from Styled by Emily Henderson
Make Sure Your Home is Energy Efficient
Make sure you have energy efficient windows.
If you live in a place that is very warm and sunny (like me, in Florida) think about getting thick curtains and/or blinds that can help block the sun to keep your home from warming up so much.
Invest in a tankless water heater.
Quality insulation throughout your home.
Roman Shades with Blackout Lining via West Elm
Shade and Curtan Combo, Inspiration via My Domaine
Home Product Swaps
Changing out some of your everyday products at home can make a big difference. I am not suggesting you trash everything you have now and get all new products. Some of the items below can be easily replaced with a new option once your old one runs out or beaks.
Instead of traditional lightbulbs, purchase LED lightbulbs.
Re-use containers for home products as much a possible! This also includes home cleaning products, like this Grove Collaborative laundry set and cleaning spray kit.
Soy candles or essential oils instead of aerosol air freshener or harsh chemicals.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat, this means you can adjust your home temperature from anywhere and be more in control of your energy usage.
Mason Jars for Pantry, Inspiration via Pinterest
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products via Grove Collaborative
Soy Candles, Astatula Candle Co.
I hope you are all inspired to product swap or up-cycle for your next home purchase! Let me know if you have any additional tips on how you are making your home more eco-friendly in the comments below.
Cheers!
Annie