Green Home Decorating Tips
It is our responsibility to keep this world as beautiful as we found it for future generations. There are quite a few things that you can do to reduce your footprint. With new studies on our cleaning chemicals that focus on alarming use of their impact, to technology that reduces the amount of energy we output in our homes, the time is now to start making meaningful changes. If you are ready to take on the challenge, we have some excellent green home decorating tips to help you get started!
Use Green Products
Consider green products when purchasing for your home décor. Green products are made with the protection of the environment in mind. These products are manufactured in ways that do not produce toxins that negatively impact the natural world. They typically come in better, more biodegradable packaging as well. The products can be less harmful to children and are not usually too much more expensive. A small change like this can greatly diminish the toxins put in the water supply or the land around you.
Use Natural Materials
People often forget that everything made of plastic, Styrofoam, nylon and other synthetic materials, will be on this earth for a very long time. Even a plastic straw takes close to 500 years to decompose, so imagine how long those vinyl floors may take. Wood and other materials do require more maintenance, but when your house has run its course, they will break down naturally over time. Even accessories, such as window blinds, can be far easier to dispose of if made of a material like wood.
Reuse What You Already Have, DIY Projects
That old mahogany desk does not need to be thrown away! Restore old furniture that is on its last leg to help save money and reduce waste. Learning how to reupholster furniture or bringing it to a professional can completely restore an old chair or couch that has good bones. Wood repair, a new coat of stain or varnish, or even a coat of paint can update the look of a beat-up dresser or kitchen table. As a society, we choose a new purchase over a restoration far too often. Choosing to restore is a big step that you can take to help the environment.
A Few More Green Home Decorating Tips
A product that has a strong quality of build can last years longer than cheaper, weaker options. While the upfront costs may be more, buying a product once will save the junk yard some repeat customers. If you find yourself consistently buying the same household items, try purchasing a slightly more expensive, tougher version that lasts longer. Also, when accessorizing around these new household additions, go with plants. Plants improve the air quality of a home, while offering other physical and psychological benefits. The colors, textures and aromas that plants emit can offer a diverse, living, inviting home design. Take advantage of what mother nature chooses to decorate her home with.
We all have our part to play in creating a safe, sustainable atmosphere for the youth to grow up in. While you can’t control everything, you can control which materials and chemicals are used in your household. Set a good example and try taking a few steps towards going green. Hopefully, these green home decorating tips will help you in your venture.
