5 Eco-Friendly Decor Ideas

by Alexa Robel

Many of us are slowly changing our lifestyle and habits in order to help save our environment. Stainless steel or paper straws, recyclable shopping bags, reusable metal and glass containers instead of plastic, and even battery-operated vehicles are all growing in popularity. We’ve come up with 5 ways you can take living a sustainable lifestyle a step further by decorating in a few eco-friendly ways.

second-hand furniture

1. Buy Secondhand Furniture

Instead of buying new, try buying pre-loved furniture. The amount of waste furniture around the planet would increase dramatically if everyone bought brand new furniture each time they needed it. There are several furniture resellers online that resell secondhand furniture and decor. If you absolutely must buy new furniture, opt for timeless designs and sustainably sourced raw materials like bamboo, wicker cane, or rattan. These are natural materials and extremely durable. Remember, intricate detailing + strong furniture + sustainable material = total win! 

2. Choose Non-toxic Paint

When updating the walls in a room, select non-toxic paints and wallpapers. Most of the chemicals we inhale come from VOCs (Volatile Organic Components) that are present in paints, wallpapers, and other toxic materials used in our homes. Eco-friendly paints are made from plant extracts like seed oil, beeswax, and lemon peels, which don’t have a negative effect on the environment, are cost-efficient, and have low to no VOC content. That makes for another total win!

Pillows made from curtains

3. Repurpose, Reuse or Upcycle

Get creative with extra decor you may no longer have use for! Rearrange furniture, display decorative plates, switch around vases and decorative items. If you’re crafty, try turning your old window curtains into pillow covers or refinishing an old piece of furniture. Give your current furniture a facelift by adding new hardware. The possibilities are endless when it comes to re purposing and recycling what you already have.

4. Opt for Natural Functional Items 

Decorative soaps and candles may look pretty on the outside, but in reality, may be causing harm. Natural or vegan soaps made by local artisans and candles made from beeswax and soy are great alternatives to candles and soaps you may own.

Stitched Woven Stripe Yarn Dyed Recycled Cotton Shower Curtain by Lush Decor

5. Eco-Friendly Textiles

Look for home decor textiles such as bedding, throw blankets and window curtains that are made of recycled materials, or products that are STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified. Purchasing recycled soft textiles decreases landfill space requirements, bearing in mind that synthetic fiber products do not decompose. As a result, those natural fibers may release greenhouse gasses. Not only will you feel great about your purchase, but you’ll love the functionality of these items even more!

On the other hand, items that are STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified have been thoroughly tested for harmful substances and that the article therefore is harmless for consumer health. The fabric, dyes and all components are tested in an independent laboratory and certified against a list of more than 350 substances, which may be harmful to human health. Another feel-good purchase that will leave you feeling confident!

How will you be making more changes to help be more sustainable? Share in the comment section below!


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