Sustainability is more than a trend. This becomes a philosophy of living for many people who want to contribute to a clean environment. The list of things you can do to start living more eco is longer than you think.
Actually, it’s easy to change your habits and be more involved in the sustainability objective. We all are part of the big picture and if we all take just a few simple steps we can start living more eco-friendly, and why not a happier life?
We can start the change from our homes. We’ve created the following list of 9 eco-friendly ideas that will help you to live in a more sustainable home.
1. Eco-friendly Wallpaper
Did you know that the ordinary wallpaper you put on your walls could cause eye irritation? This is because of the high VOC content (Volatile Organic Compound) which is made from chemicals used in pharmaceuticals.
If you want to be eco-friendly and save your eyes replace the VOC wallpaper with cork wallpapers. They are made from the bark of cork oak. This non-toxic material will bring also freshness to your home décor and a healthier home environment.
2. Indoor Plants
If you’re searching for cheap home décor ideas that will make your space more alive, the best choice is the indoor plants. There is a huge variety of indoor plants that need different conditions to grow.
The green plant will improve the air quality of your home. Moreover, many researchers show that people who take care of indoor plants feel better mentally and physically.
3. Invest in Energy-efficient Appliances and Heating/Cooling systems
Using LED bulbs is a great change to do in your home décor. They provide gentle light that is better for our eyes and not only. Many people consider LED light as the best because is more cost-efficient than ordinary energy-draining bulbs.
You can also consider switching to energy-efficient heating and cooling system. Actually, this is a great investment because these systems also save money and last longer than the normal heating and cooling system we have installed in our homes.
4. Sustainable Materials
There are many sustainable materials such as organic cotton, wool, wood, jute, and more that you can use in your home décor. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also safe for your health. You can include decorative elements from recycled glass or other sustainable materials as well.
There are a lot of options to become eco-friendly at home. Recently there is a trend of using bamboo material in the home décor. This is not a big surprise, because bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource. Usually, this material is used for making furniture and flooring.
5. Rugs from Natural Materials
Rugs are a perfect detail for any interior idea. They are suitable for each room and are used even on the balcony or the veranda. That’s why is impossible to have rugs from natural materials because they gather less dust and dirt. Eco-friendly rugs are made from materials such as organic cotton, wool or even recycled plastics.
6. Use Low-flow Showerheads
Using less water is one of the main goals of sustainability. If you want to establish eco-friendly habits you have to spend less time under the shower or just go for low-flow showerheads.
These showerheads have 2 times less flow rate than ordinary ones which will help you to have more water. On the other hand, if you use low-flow showerheads you will also save energy by reducing the amount of hot water used.
7. DIY Home Décor from Recycling Materials
If you like handcrafts you can use this passion to create home décor with recycling materials. It’s easier than you think. Use your creativity and any household recyclables you can find and create interesting home décor.
Giving new life to things you haven’t used for years is a great way to refresh your home on a budget and establish an eco-friendly environment at home.
8. Choose Natural Roofing and Flooring
Using natural materials for roofing and flooring is getting very trendy. Many interior designers recommend installations from materials like bamboo, cotton, cork, and reclaimed hardwood. These materials are a great match for any color scheme or paint. The flooring and roofing from natural materials last long, which is another advantage.
9. Replace the Plastic with Recycled Materials
Have you noticed how many plastic items there are in a household? If you want to be more eco-friendly you can start by replacing plastic with recycled materials items. All of the plastic things you used at home have substitutes made from recycled materials.
Many people don’t know that the plastic they use at home could be dangerous for their health. This is why most plastic materials are toxic. Isn’t this another great idea to go more eco this year?
My name is Scarlett Mitchell and i am an author and editor in the home topic website – FemCasa.com.
I’m just an enthusiast who wants to share her visions, ideas and advices, when it comes to decorating every part of your home until it becomes the perfect relaxing place for you and your family.