Hey earth muffins! Have you heard the term “fast furniture” before?? Fast fashion has been all the rage, but there are other types of “fast” consumer goods that you should also consider. Just look at furniture – we all need it; but, a lot of it is cheap and bad for the environment these days. Let’s delve into the definition and explore how you can avoid it!
So, What is Fast Furniture?
Similar to fast fashion, this term refers to inexpensive, mass-produced furniture that is designed for short-term use. Examples of this are most things purchased at places like Wayfair and Overstock (and even some IKEA pieces too). While it may seem tempting to furnish your home with affordable and trendy pieces, the environmental and social costs of fast furniture are significant. From deforestation and excessive resource consumption to poor labor practices, it takes a toll on the planet and its inhabitants. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to avoid this type of furniture:
You might think that if you focus on sustainable choices with your home design, it’s going to look dull and plain. But this doesn’t have to be the case. If you make the right choices you can get the best of both worlds with a home that does some good for the planet and also looks fantastic! Natural materials can really make your home look fantastic. Buying an easy to hang wood trim with adhesive is going to allow you to update your space without too much of a hassle. You can really bring that environmental green look to your home and really improve the space.
Focus on your garden space.
First, you should think about focusing on your garden space. When it comes to doing your part to help save the planet, your garden is a big asset that you have. The right choices can do wonders here. For instance, you should make sure that you are protecting the integrity of your soil. The right soil is going to ensure that you can keep carbon monoxide trapped underneath the ground. You can also think about adding more flowers and plants like globe mallow to improve the air quality and ensure your garden looks gorgeous at the same time.
Introduce solar panels!
Another way that you can improve the look of your exterior space while adding more to your sustainable choices is by introducing solar panels as part of your home. The right solar panels will guarantee that your home design looks fantastic and feels modern. The best news is that solar panels are not particularly expensive these days. They can fit into virtually any home design budget that you can think of. You can also think about exploring different subsidies and possibilities for your home as well. This is going to make a change like this far more affordable and don’t forget that they are essentially going to pay for themselves in the money you save over just a few years!
Explore a “Biophilic” design.
You should also think about how you can incorporate a biophilic design into your home overall. One of the ways that you can do this is by bringing the outside in. A biophilic design concept is all about the benefits of enhancing our connection with nature. One of the easiest ways to do that is to ensure that plants are part of your interior home design. Green plants will ensure that your home looks great as well as feeling modern with a unique aesthetic that is sure to win your guests over!
Choose the right materials.
Finally, you should make sure that you are choosing the right materials when you are decorating your home. There are some fantastic materials that are both sustainable and look fantastic. It’s worth exploring the market to find the right choices for the design that you want to create and the overall feel that you want for your home. For instance, you can explore natural materials. You just need to make sure that they are coming from the right source and a supplier that you will be able to trust.
I hope this helps you understand some of the best ways that you can achieve a beautiful home design, while providing you with a sustainable and green place to live that’s perfect for the rest of the planet.
Many of us are on a mission to embrace greener living. The best place to start when making changes to benefit the planet is at home. In this guide, we’ll discuss some simple steps you can take to create a more eco-friendly home.
Reduce energy consumption.
Most of us are guilty of using more energy than we actually need. We have become accustomed to using multiple devices at the same time; we turn the lights on or fire up appliances without thinking twice. Reducing energy consumption will help you lower your carbon footprint as well as bringing your bills down! There are some very easy ways you can save energy, including insulating your home and using energy efficient lights. LED bulbs last more than 25 times as long as conventional lights. If your home is properly insulated, you can prevent heat from escaping. You can also lower consumption by switching to smart appliances, which use less energy. Or try to maximize natural light during the day!
Opt for natural, sustainable materials.
Take a look around your home. What kinds of materials, fabrics and textiles can you see? If you’re upgrading your interiors, you’ve recently moved and you’re planning a revamp, or you love the idea of an eco haven, consider the materials you choose carefully. Try to opt for natural, organic materials and opt for brands and retailers that promote sustainability instead of greenwashing. Many manufacturers and retail companies are now using sustainable materials and components and some champion initiatives such as planting trees and wildlife conservation.
Cut out waste as much as possible.
The amount of waste we generate as a population is staggering. We live in an age where it’s commonplace to purchase new clothes frequently, to update the decor and furniture in our homes regularly and to buy more food than we need. We can all make a positive difference to the environment by reducing waste. To achieve this goal you can adapt your mindset when shopping and embrace recycling, upcycling, reusing and repurposing. Try to avoid buying more than you need and ask yourself if every purchase is essential. Recycle everything you can and think twice before you throw food away or toss furniture or clothes on the trash pile. If you don’t want to keep hold of chairs, tables or clothes you’ve not even worn, find another home for them. You could sell or donate them to charity, for example. But, make sure you allocate those resources to the correct place!
Switch to reusable energy.
If you’re not already using renewable energy, it’s a great idea to research your options and weigh up the pros and cons. Look for providers that offer renewable energy or consider installing solar panels. If you live in an area that gets plenty of sunshine, you could save a fortune and make a positive difference to the environment.
We are more conscious about the impact of our lifestyles on the planet than ever before but there is a very long way to go. If you’re keen to do your bit, it’s a great idea to start at home. With these simple steps, you can create an eco-friendly haven.
Hey muffins! As I mentioned in my last post, my boyfriend and I are officially moved into our new place. 😃 While it was difficult to stay sustainable throughout this process, there were a few things we were able to do during Plastic Free July to reduce our waste. Now that we are a few days into the unpacking process, I wanted to share some of my favorite tips for making a new apartment/space feel like “home”. Moving can be a chaotic process, so I find it absolutely essential to do these things to keep my mind at ease. Let’s jump right into it!
Ways to Make You Feel at Home
*Burn a candle while you unpack. Scents have always helped me cope with stress and anxiety, so keeping a candle burning is a must. Plus, it can get your new apartment smelling delightful! When choosing candles, make sure you buy soy wax from local sellers. Many candles from brands like Bath & Body Works are quite bad for the air/environment… So keep yourself healthy by choosing soy! 🕯️
Also make sure you buy an eco-friendly lighter, like The USB Lighter Company’s! I wrote a whole review of this product, and I still LOVE their lighter. It is rechargable, has a sleek design, and is one of the first things I unpacked – definitely a must have for making your apartment feel like a home! 😊
*Keep the window shades open and get some natural light! Nothing is more depressing than unpacking boxes in dim lighting; make sure you get plenty of sunlight for your Vitamin D! Plus, this will keep you in a nice and happy mood in your new home.
*Add some nature to the space. My plants were some of the first things carried into the new apartment; my boyfriend’s family also gave us some flowers to celebrate us moving in together. 💐 While a simple touch, having a bit of nature and bright colors/greens truly help make your new space feel homey.
Ways to Make You Feel at Home When Unpacking
*Get rid of the boxes as you go! I have been unpacking one room at a time; as soon as I am done with a box (or a couple of boxes), I take them outside to the recycling bin. This helps both to declutter the space and to declutter my mind… And it gives a more accurate depiction of what else needs to be unpacked! While it might sound like a small thing, it definitely helps a new space feel more like your own. 🥰
*Get rid of any clutter than somehow made the move. While one of the things in my eco-friendly moving post is how I declutter as I pack up, there were still a few things that slipped through the cracks. It is important for everything to have a meaning in your space, so donate items that you don’t want! This will ultimately make you feel at home and at peace with the material goods in your new space.
*Save the decorating for the final step of unpacking! Decorating the walls is my absolute favorite step whenever I move, so I often set aside a corner of the apartment and pile up all my wall decor there. After everything is cleaned and unpacked, reward youself with the decorations. 🎉 I think this step is the cherry on top for making a new space feel like a home! What are some of the first things you do when unpacking?
