Environmental awareness has never been higher as people recognize their responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint, and one of the ways you can do your part is to be mindful of sustainability when decorating your home. Want some eco-friendly decorating ideas? Here are some tips to help you achieve the look you want for your home.
Hardwood Flooring
If you need to get some flooring for your residence, avoid carpet and steer towards hardwood flooring. Flooring made of real wood will give you the best quality if you want an eco-friendly flooring option. Carpets contain pollutants and chemicals that can do damage not only to the environment but also to you and your family as you breathe in these impurities over the years. Also, consider that quality carpeting might last for around a decade or so before you need to change it while hardwood flooring can last much longer since there’s always the option to sand and restain it down the road. There are all sorts of possibilities, in terms of wood varieties and colors, if you want hardwood flooring, so you can get something that fits your needs.
Do-It-Yourself Float Booster
Some of the best eco-friendly things you can do to improve your home are not necessarily as obvious as other options. One such thing is a do-it-yourself float booster for your toilet. You’ll need a two-liter soda bottle. Fill the bottle one-fourth of the way using sand, and then fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Then you’ll need to put the bottle into the tank of your toilet. Which will save as much as a gallon each time you flush. Some toilets use as much as seven gallons every flush, so reducing that by even one gallon can save on water usage.
Plants
Adding plants to your home will both beautify your home and also provide health benefits. Whether you want some potted houseplants for your kitchen, living room, or bedroom, you can use this eco-friendly decorating idea for your home. Examples of plants you might be interested in include anthuriums, which are flowering plants that can help to lower your stress levels. Another option is the ZZ plant, which has been shown courtesy of research to contribute to facilitate faster recovery from injuries. Peace lilies not only look great, but they also serve as natural filters that can help to clear the air of pollutants so that the air you and your family breath is safer. Another natural air cleaner is the dracaena plant. It is good at removing chemical compounds such as xylene. Such compounds can be released by paint and other things in your home.
Use Low-VOC Paint
When it comes to getting the biggest bang for your buck from a home decorating perspective, it’s hard to beat painting. A coat or two of a new color can turn a dreary space into a cheery space. But you shouldn’t use just any paint. What you need is paint that does not include volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Colors that have VOCs can release toxic emissions, and this can pose risks to the environment and your family. There was a time when VOCs were an indispensable component of quality paint, but it is now possible to find paint that has a low-VOC tag. Such varieties are much more eco-friendly and safe than their predecessors.
Yes, there are different options at your disposal when it comes to eco-friendly decorating ideas, and the options above should whet your appetite and give you some ideas. It is possible to make your home a more liveable pleasant place that is eco-friendly. So, use your imagination, get creative, and do your part to protect the environment.
