Go green, sustainable living, eco-friendly living etc. are no more just fancy terms. With growing awareness regarding climate change and a need to reduce carbon footprints, people are acknowledging their roles seriously to protect mother earth.
What started slowly is now almost a mission in hand with people making conscious effort in their everyday life both at community level and in the home front. This results in resource conservation and minimum wastage.
What is an eco-friendly décor?
Extending the idea of eco-conscious living into your home leads to opting for an eco-friendly décor. In this kind of décor, materials that are durable, evergreen and mindful of the planet are used. This guide details the importance of opting for an eco-friendly décor and how you can embrace it in your house.
What are the features of eco-friendly décor?
Eco-friendly décor uses materials such as bamboo, recycled glass, reclaimed wood, natural stone and sustainable fabrics such as recycled cotton. These are durable and have great looks- two important factors needed for a suave home décor.
- Eco-friendly décor uses non-toxic products that ensure that there are no harmful chemicals and gases released. Thus the well-being of you and your family members are ensured.
- These are sustainable and not some fad fashion that will stop trending one day.
- These are low in wastage and this directly impacts the carbon footprints that are reduced significantly.
- Eco-friendly products are durable, which also adds to the sustainability factor.
- Many eco-friendly products help purify indoor air quality.
Source: Pinterest/interiorstylehunter.com
How does an eco-friendly décor save energy?
- When you opt for eco-friendly décor, you focus on natural lighting which will reduce consumption of lights for a major part of the day.
- Ventilation is also an important aspect that helps in easy flow of air, reducing need for use of fans, ac etc.
- Use of LED lighting results in consumption of low electricity.
- Also, use of energy efficient fixtures with in-built motion sensors will help minimise energy consumption.
- Use of solar energy as part of your eco-friendly décor by installing solar panels will help reduce dependence on electricity. As this is derived directly from the sun, there are no greenhouse gas emissions in case of use of solar energy. Thus, air pollution and water pollution are also kept in check. You can make use of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and get free electricity.
Eco-friendly materials used in home décor
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Bamboo
Known as the carbon sink absorbs two times the amount of carbon dioxide that a normal plant does. It also generates over 30% more oxygen than regular plants. In comparison to other plants, bamboo doesn’t require pesticides and fertilizers for growth. They are renewable and biodegradable and have low impact on the environment. They can easily grow and are sturdy. Thus they are used heavily in construction too. There are multiple areas where you can use bamboo such as bamboo partitions, furniture made of bamboo, artefacts, making a fence with bamboo for your house to give that rustic effect etc.
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Recycled glass
Glass can be recycled multiple times and with the help of it, you can reduce the need for raw materials that leads to low wastage and lesser carbon emissions.
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Recycled metal
Use of recycled metal gives the same sturdiness a product is expected to give while reducing wastage.
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Reclaimed wood
These are recycled wood that are sourced from buildings, factories etc. What makes them stand out is that they maintain their tattered look that is apt for home décor. However, too much labour is involved in processing this resulting in it being expensive.
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Natural stone
This clean product does not emit any volatile organic compound (VoC) making it a preferred choice. Natural stone is sturdy, goes with any kind of home décor and eco-friendly as compared to other construction materials.
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Sustainable fabrics
A huge amount of waste is because of fabric and this can be minimised by way of using sustainable fabric. Fabrics such as organic cotton, organic wool, bamboo, linen etc. produce zero waste, are manufactured following cruelty free practices and use less water for their production.
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Plants
These purify air quality in the house, dehumidify, are considered auspicious as per vastu and look beautiful when used as décor elements. In fact, you can also use bio-degradable pots for your plants so that there is no wastage. You can also minimise the plastic use by opting for pots made of recycled plastic.
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Jute
You can use jute in both furniture and upholstery to give an exceptional look to your space while incorporating sustainable materials.
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Cork
As opposed to wallpapers that consist of VOC, cork wallpapers made of cork oak is a better option. These are long lasting, eco-friendly and free of chemicals that may cause issues like breathing, nausea, irritation in the eyes etc. to people living in the home. Also, corn has this feature of reducing the outside noise and hence, you can have a sound proof space too.
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Natural air fresheners
A home décor goes well with some dash of fragrance and if this is used without chemicals its better. Most of the fragrances available in the market have some amount of chemicals in them, which is not recommended in the long run. You can use air fresheners such as camphor, citrus oil, palm wax candles etc. instead.
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Use Solar lighting extensively
This is very cost –effective and a huge amount of energy will be saved, thus reducing the monthly electricity bill incurred by you.
5 Myths about eco-friendly décor
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Eco-friendly décor is expensive
When compared to other forms of décor, sustainable home décor may be slightly expensive upfront, but they are cost-effective in the long run. Some ready to use eco-friendly décor may be expensive, because of the idea behind that and not necessarily because of the décor type. If you are looking for inexpensive sustainable décor options, you can choose from second stores, thrift stores or make them at home as a do-it-yourself project.
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Sustainable décor is not stylish
It is not necessary for sustainable décor to look pale and boring. You can opt for a bright eco-friendly décor that adds spark to your home. You can mix eco-friendly décor with any other style such as luxury, minimalist, bohemian, maximalist etc.
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Sustainable décor uses only recycled materials
While use of recycled materials such as reclaimed wood, glass, fabric etc. are one aspect, eco-friendly décor is more than just incorporating these. These also involve the implementation of eco-friendly energy options, use of non-toxic products, use of local products that improve energy efficiency etc. It is also worth pointing here that all natural materials such as wood may not be eco-friendly as some may be a result of unsustainable logging practices.
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Eco-friendly décor doesn’t suit all corners of your house
It’s a mistake people make when they understand that sustainable décor is only for certain areas of the house. These can be incorporated from the entrance of your house to the living room, kitchen, bedroom and even bathroom.
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Eco-friendly décor is not durable
Things used in sustainable décor are known for their agility. These are long lasting and actually stand for sustainable décor mean- use it for longer periods of time so that wastage is reduced.
5 Easy tips to opt for sustainable décor at your home
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Design spaces in the house efficiently
While incorporating a sustainable décor, make a plan that uses all places of the house effectively. Take into consideration the directions of natural light and the ventilation of the house.
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Choose furniture made of sustainable materials
You can opt for sofa/couches in the living room, console tables, lights and lighting, garden furniture etc. It is recommended to source these products from local shops thus encouraging smaller entrepreneurs and local trade fair shops. Also, since these are small, mass production is not an option and thus carbon footprint during transportation is reduced.
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Use non-toxic paints for your walls and doors
There are no volatile organic compound (VOC) present in non-toxic paints. VOC paints are considered to be harmful for one’s health and also have a grave impact on the environment.
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Use upcycled and recycled décor in your house
Give a new look to these things in your house. Use of upcycled furniture will add a new dimension to your home décor. Similarly, the ones made by recycled materials will add to the look of the home and give the recycled items a new lease of life.
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Use indoor plants
Indoor plants help purify the air quality in your house while adding to the décor of the house. By using plants like jade plant, rubber plant, orchid plant the house will be feng shui compliant as well as sport an eco-friendly home décor.
Eco-friendly elements that you can use in your home
- Center table and sitting made of Bamboo
Source: Pinterest
- Furniture made of reclaimed wood
Source: Pinterest/Modish Living
- Table made of recycled metal
Source: Pinterest/Recyclart
- Upholstery made of organic fabric
Source: Pinterest/Etsy.com
- Elements made of recycled glass
Source: Pinterest/VivaTerra
Plants in your home décor
Source: Pinterest
Wallpaper made of cork
Source: Pinterest/Papel de Parede dos Anos
7 eco-friendly home décor with different styles
Minimalist eco-friendly home décor
Source: Pinterest
Opt for a neutral color palette – something in white, grey or mushroom and pair it with sustainable wood to create a minimalist look.
Maximalist eco-friendly home décor
Source: Pinterest/Gardening Olivia
Use of various textures adds depth to a maximalist eco-friendly home décor when you. You can blend soft and rough natural materials like jute or wool rugs. It’s a good idea to add cushions made of organic cotton or wool to complete the look.
Bohemian eco-friendly home décor
Source: Pinterest/Outdoorsy Interiors
Bohemian eco-friendly home décor incorporates vibrant natural textiles, artisan craftsmanship and vintage finds.
Vintage eco-friendly home décor
Source: Pinterest/Lovely Harbor | Apartment Ideas & Organization
Using timeless pieces, reclaimed wooden furniture, use of recycled metal etc. gives birth to timeless décor statements.
Luxury eco-friendly home décor
Source: Pinterest/Mari Valborg
Luxury eco-friendly home décor is all about sophistication and sustainability. This can be done by using rich organic fabrics and reclaimed wood, rich artisanal pieces, vintage lighting etc.
Traditional eco-friendly traditional home décor
Source: Pinterest/Livingetc India
Bespoke eco-friendly home décor
Use of natural stone, traditional paints and stones make way for a beautiful traditional eco-friendly home décor.
Source: Pinterest/Maisons du Monde
By using knick knacks and a part of each type of eco-friendly element, you can conceive a beautiful bespoke eco-friendly home décor.
Housing.com POV
Many people shy away from the idea of opting for eco-friendly home décor because they assume that it is expensive and the end result is plain and boring. However, it is important to know that eco-friendly home décor need not look dry and bland as it is often perceived to be.
You can use reclaimed wood, recycled metal etc. to make chic furniture for your home. By this way, your home décor will reflect the style that’s the story of your personality and not showcase something that is mass produced.
FAQs
Is it possible to create an eco-friendly home on a budget?
Yes. By focusing on simple changes like energy-efficient lighting, investing in second-hand furniture or choosing DIY projects help achieve an eco-friendly home décor on a budget.
Can I mix eco-friendly décor with existing items?
You can blend your existing décor elements with eco-friendly elements to get an aesthetic home décor.
Is eco-friendly décor more expensive than traditional options?
While eco-friendly items can be initially costlier than traditional ones because of the idea behind it, sourcing costs and craftsmanship, you can find good deals in thrift stores.
Do eco-friendly products last longer?
Eco-friendly items are made of durable materials and hence these are considered to be strong and long lasting.
What’s a good first step to go eco-friendly?
First evaluate what all you have and then replace one item at a time with its sustainable option. This way it won’t be an expensive proposition and you will be in the right direction.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
