Furnishing your home is as exciting as it is cumbersome! While one tends to enjoy the anticipation of the final look, the process of finalizing every little detail can sometimes be a little daunting. While everyone looks forward to building a beautiful home interior, it is almost seldom that anyone puts in a thought or two in shaping a home that is green as well. Yes, it is quite possible to go for a greener, more eco-friendly home, by making some small yet significant changes in the way you choose your home furnishings. Let’s take a look at some of these choices:
1. Local Merchandise
While the idea of buying a Italian leather imported sofa, might sound downright appealing to you, you need to understand, that if the furnishing has covered a tremendous amount of distance to get to you, it is sure to bring along a lot of carbon foot-prints, and hence, in case would not be a green choice. On the other hand, if you opt to buy furnishings that are made locally or at a factory close to you, you’ll surely end up taking a piece which wouldn’t have caused an overriding loss to the environment. So, the next time you go shopping, simply ask the shopkeeper as to where exactly your choice of furnishing was made, and if feasible, do buy a local one!
2. Organic Fabric
When it comes to drapes, curtains, carpets and upholstery, you can go green by simple choosing a fabric that is organic or sustainable. For example, you can opt for cotton, linen, silk or hemp instead of going for synthetic options or artificial leather! In case of furniture also instead of choosing a Italian leather sofa you can opt for a designer sofa made of cane which looks trendy yet eco friendly. Again, all you need to do is to remind the shopkeeper regarding your preferences.
3. Paints
If you’re opting for a total or even partial white-wash of the house, make sure you choose eco-friendly paints that are non-toxic in nature. In case you’re wondering how, you can simply check for the ones with low volatile organic compounds (VOC). You should ideally choose paints and finishes that do not contain any formaldehyde.
4. Furniture
Instead of getting your new furniture entirely newly made, you can easily refurbish your old one. And if that’s not feasible, it is advisable for you to choose wood that is obtained from sustainable forests. You can even go for recycled materials to get your furniture made. In case, you simply wish to buy ready made furniture, you can consider buying second hand furnishings, which you can later refurbish. Even vintage or antique furniture will help you stick to your eco-friendly spree. And not just this, such furniture will also help you save on money and add a unique character to you home interiors.
5. Floors
With respect to flooring, you can easily pick the un-glazed tiles, as your green alternative. Nowadays, even glass tiles that are essentially made from recycled glass bottles are available! In case, you wish to go for a carpeted floor, chose a carpet that is designed with organic materials of the likes of jute, wool, sisal or bamboo, or better still, recycled fiber. Also ensure that the carpet you pick contains the least possible amount of chemicals!
With some thoughtful buying and effort you can easily make your house an eco friendly environment which in turn adds to the positivity in life.
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