Being mindful of our impact on the environment is getting more and more crucial every day. Climate changes, pollution, and similar issues affect every single one of us. Some people feel their daily actions don't matter as they can't change anything. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Every little bit counts, and we can make our planet a better place. You can start by doing something small. Switching things up around your home is a good example. There are many benefits of eco-friendly home decor. If you want to know more about them, we made this short overview for you.
Cost-effectiveness
If you're looking for ways to decorate your home without breaking the bank, sustainable decor is the way to go. One of the main benefits of eco-friendly home decor is the fact that it's generally quite affordable. Still, for some reason, many people believe that it's actually the other way around. Many eco-friendly pieces are made from recycled materials such as wood scraps and plastic. These are much less expensive than your hardwood or solid metal. Also, second-hand decor counts as eco-friendly as well. Some of these pieces are barely used, in great condition, and cost only a fraction of the price.
Being eco-friendly benefits both the environment and your wallet
Ethical production
Characterizing something as "eco-friendly" takes many more things apart from materials into consideration. Furniture and decor made with child labor or in an unsafe work environment aren't that nice after all. Being considerate of the production process keeps your mind at peace. These unjust production processes often happen in big factories in parts of the world where health controls aren't the priority. So, opting for ethical production often means a lower carbon footprint. Another thing that has a positive effect on the environment is buying products from local small businesses as much as you can. They're made locally, so transport pollution is reduced to a minimum. Also, by buying locally, you're supporting members of your community which is a very nice thing to do.
Durability
The longevity of your home decor is an essential factor to consider when deciding to be eco-friendly. You want items you won't have to throw out after a year because they don't look as fresh anymore. Try incorporating items made from natural, sustainable materials into your living space. Not only will they add some style here, but they will also likely last you quite a while. They've been known to be durable for ages, and many civilizations have used them, so why shouldn't you? If you don't know where to start, bamboo and wool are great ideas for formal living room decorations.
Health benefits
Mass-made products often have various additions to keep them looking their best. In some cases, those additions are toxic chemicals. They can cause irritations, breathing problems, and even more severe conditions. If you have pets, some of these chemicals can be toxic for them as well. This is something to remember, especially when picking out decorations for your kitchen or bedroom. You don't want toxins in your life in general, but specifically in places where you eat and sleep. To avoid doing passive harm to your health, opt for eco-friendly decor. Getting sustainable decorative pieces is a much safer option for the whole household.
You don’t want toxic chemicals near your food
Improving the quality of air
In most cases, the subject of the sustainable decor discourse is furniture. Still, we shouldn't forget about the most eco-friendly piece of the decor of them all: plants. They do so much good for us by simply existing. The photosynthesis process that is essential to plants turns carbon dioxide into oxygen. This purifies the air you breathe inside your home. The more plants you have, the better! Also, one of the best ways to make a space feel homely is by adding a bunch of plants to it. Apart from all their health benefits, they look very nice in every room. Keeping plants is also a very calming and fulfilling hobby, which we highly recommend to everyone.
Saving the trees
Deforestation is one of the biggest environmental problems. Billions of trees are cut down each year for various purposes. Some are being planted back, but our planet is still at a loss. A large amount of that wood goes into the furniture industry. There are a few ways to avoid participating in these processes that harm planet Earth.
Buying second-hand wooden furniture is a great alternative. It has already been made and used, so you're not doing any more harm by getting it. Plus, you can get it for a relatively small amount of money. This can come in handy if you're decorating your rental and don't want to spend thousands on a place that's not yours. If you want to take a step further, avoid wooden furniture altogether. Nowadays, there are great pieces made from different sustainable materials. If you do some research; you'll indeed find something you like.
One of the main benefits of eco-friendly home decor is that it doesn’t add to deforestation
It looks great!
Our final point has less to do with the environmental impact and more with the general aesthetic. After all, you still want your home to look beautiful and stylish. Most sustainable furniture and decor pieces have a specific look to them. Bamboo, straw, recycled plastic, and other sustainable materials give the space a calming yet urban vibe. This style of interior design has been growing in popularity recently. You can mix it up with some of your existing decors and make some very interesting combinations. Anyone that walks into your home is guaranteed to be impressed.
Conclusion
Actively working on reducing the harm we do to the planet is good for both general health and mental well-being. Rethinking your living space is a great place to start. With all the benefits of eco-friendly home decor, it's hard to find a downside to it. However, keep the fact that the most sustainable piece of decor is the one you already own in mind. You don't need to change your entire place to be eco-friendly. Still, if you're considering buying any new things, being mindful of the environmental impact they have is the way to go.