If you’re looking to create a more eco-friendly home, there are plenty of ways to do so. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take a lot of extra time.
For starters, look for products that are made with recycled or renewable materials. For example, FSC-certified wood is a good option because it’s sourced from forests that are sustainably managed.
1. Look for Third-Party Certifications
As consumers become more concerned with the sustainability of products, manufacturers are focusing on third-party eco certifications to differentiate themselves. These standards are designed to provide a level of transparency about how the product or service is made and what safety, quality and performance criteria it meets.
Many of these certifications have strict rules about the environmental impact of products. For example, the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a rigorous way to measure the entire environmental impact of a product and allows you to compare products from different manufacturers.
The best eco-friendly home furnishings are made from organic, non-toxic and recyclable materials. You can find repurposed glassware, cozy blankets crafted from recycled cotton and plastic bottles, and trays made from recycled acrylic. These items are not only aesthetically pleasing but they also help you feel good about the environment.
2. Look for Sustainable Materials
Choosing the right eco-friendly home furnishings can make your space a more sustainable place to live. These materials are better for the environment and also provide a variety of health benefits to you and your family.
The key is to look for a sustainable material that will last you a long time. For example, if you have an outdoor patio or deck, choose wood that will stand up to the elements and not crack or rot.
Bamboo is another great choice for your green interior. It grows up to 3 feet per day and can be woven into a rattan-style material.
Hemp is another popular plant-based material that is quickly gaining popularity in the furniture industry. It has a number of eco-credentials, including being biodegradable and reversible.
3. Look for Ethical Labor Practices
When it comes to choosing eco-friendly home furnishings, it is important to pay attention to all of the details. One of the most important is looking for ethical labor practices.
In order to have a meaningful impact, companies must be mindful of their suppliers and the workers who create their products. This includes paying them a fair wage, providing them with good health and safety measures, and ensuring that they are not exploited by their employers.
Additionally, companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical labor have also been found to have higher profits than their conventional counterparts. This is probably due in part to the fact that companies are more likely to save money on energy and other costs when they make environmentally friendly decisions.
4. Look for Recyclable Materials
The average American spends 90% of their time indoors, and if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, it’s best to make eco-friendly choices wherever possible. That includes your furniture.
Recycled materials are a great way to make your furniture more environmentally friendly. This is because they use less resources overall, such as wood, to create your pieces.
Purchasing sustainable furniture can also save you money in the long run, since it won’t need to be replaced as often. This is especially true if the furniture is made of reclaimed wood or other durable materials, which are essentially made with recycled materials that were already in existence at the time they were produced.
To avoid purchasing virgin materials that may not be recyclable, look for FSC-certified woods or reclaimed wood that comes from forests and producers that practice ethical harvesting. These organizations take into account things like where the wood comes from, indigenous peoples’ and workers’ treatment, waste, ecological impact and more.
5. Look for Energy-Efficient Options
Energy-efficient appliances like ENERGY STAR refrigerators, water heaters, and dishwashers can save you money and reduce your energy bills. These options will also help reduce your carbon footprint and conserve resources.
Choosing furniture that has been made from recycled materials is another great way to make your home more eco-friendly. This type of eco-friendly home furnishings keeps materials out of landfills, saving the environment in the process.
Repurposed pieces can add a unique touch to any room, and they’re often affordable as well. Instead of disposing of old furniture, consider refinishing it or using it in other creative ways.
For furniture, consider purchasing items that are made from wood from ethically sourced, rapidly renewable sources. This is a more sustainable choice that will last longer and require less maintenance.