Friday 26 / April / 2024
Sustainability isn't just a trend. According to a 2021 study of more than 10,000 people in 17 countries, 85% said they had changed their shopping habits to be more sustainable. Also, 34% of respondents said they were willing to pay more for sustainable products and services. The rising demand for sustainable products has shifted the focus of many industries, including the interior design sector.
You may not associate sustainability with design, but these concepts aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, many sustainable home design products are artful and unique because of how they're created and used.
If you're looking to refresh your home's style while minimizing your impact on the planet, check out these four eco-friendly ways to spruce up your interior design.
1. Go antiquing
One of the easiest ways to be sustainable is not buying new products. Antique furniture and decor give your interior design an elevated look without creating new waste. By buying antiques, you can find unique pieces with history and save them from the landfill. Also, many antique items have a longer lifecycle than modern design pieces, so you can enjoy them for years to come.
2. Use reclaimed products
Reclaimed goods are used or leftover materials or products that can be repurposed for the same or different use. For example, reclaimed wood that once made up an old barn or crate can be used as the base of home decorations, shelving and tables. Using reclaimed materials and products can give your home a rustic charm while using existing items, keeping materials out of the landfill and reducing the demand for new products and the waste created when they're made.
3. Buy recycled products
While reclaimed and recycled may sound interchangeable, reclaimed goods aren't altered from their original state. Recycled products are items made from used materials that have been processed or molded into a new item for a new purpose. For example, many manufacturers are creating products using recycled plastic.
4. Choose sustainable materials
When purchasing new products, make a difference and choose ones made from sustainable materials. Bamboo has become a popular material for furniture and decorations because it is a renewable material that doesn't require much water, pesticides or labor to create compared to traditional wood products. Other sustainable materials include jute, a natural plant fiber used for woven rugs and other home textiles and cork, which is made by harmlessly harvesting tree bark.
Your individual choices as a consumer matter and can make a positive impact on the environment. One way is to invest in the earth's future by seeking out earth-friendly, recyclable-based designs for your home.
