Photo Credit: Pexels6 Great Tips To Create An Eco-Savvy Home That Represents Your Taste Saloni Sakaria May 15, 2019 DIY 3406 Decorating your home is intimidating in itself. But when you start to take the environment into account, it immediately turns into a stressful task. However, choosing to go with eco-savvy home will be more beneficial for you in the long run. So, think recyclable, renewable and reclaimed as you make an effort to create an eco-savvy home and reducing your carbon footprint, while still representing your style and taste. The following earth-conscious home design and décor tips will definitely make your home more appealing to Mother Nature. Though it can still look stylish and livable. Install Eco-Friendly Floors Changing the flooring of your house is a large renovation. And if you plan on using it as part of your decoration, you might as well stick to green options. Look for green flooring materials such as reclaimed wood floors, cork, and bamboo. You can construct cushy, highly resistant to moisture and sound-absorbent, cork flooring from renewable sources. It means, only the outer bark is used to produce it and the trees are left somewhere standing for future harvests. On the other hand, bamboo flooring is formed from the stalks of bamboo plants. It has a highly durable surface, is easily maintained and comes at an affordable price. Meanwhile, reclaimed woods are essentially made of recycled trees which are collected from previous construction. Cover Your Walls The Eco-Friendly Way One of the most affordable ways to give a space a new lease on life is by splattering it with fresh paint or maybe covering it up with beautiful wallpaper. But, it is also important to know that not all wall paint and wallpapers are created equal. As a matter of fact, some paints contain a variety of harsh compounds called VOCs or volatile organic compounds which release toxic emissions into the air. It is extremely harmful to the environment and even worse for you and your family who will be breathing in these chemicals for years. So, make sure to shop for low- to zero-VOC-emission paints, adhesives, caulks, stains and wallpaper. Look for wallpaper printed with water-based ink and crafted from recycled paper or just add pattern using low-VOC paints and stencils. A quick tip before you go, make sure that any walls— interior, exterior or foundation walls— are completely waterproofed before adding a fresh lick of paint, to ensure longevity and durability. You can also consider hiring experts from waterproofing Johannesburg for professional results. Cultivate Greenery Nothing makes it more obvious that you care for the environment than a home full of greens and fresh plants. Not only does it show you that you care for Mother Earth, but also emphasize that you want to make your indoor space more eco-centric. Houseplants— whether standing proud and tall in a corner, set atop your table as a centerpiece, or hanging by the window— perform as living sculptures which filter out airborne toxins, emit oxygen, adds humidity and improve the overall air quality in your home. Choose Eco-Friendly Furniture Going green usually means following the reusing policy. This is all about finding a new use for items that do not need discarding and can be used in another way. Complement this practice by choosing new furniture. It should incorporate eco-friendly materials and are designed with versatility in mind. This usually includes using materials like recycled metal springs and certified-sustainable woods. Also, it is great if you consider buying gently used items. Shop at estate sales, thrift stores, and online auctions to get eco-friendly home decorations that may become a centerpiece of your interior décor. Efficient Windows With Thermal Curtains Even house elements such as windows may contribute to an eco-friendly environment. Windows are usually to blame for the excess loss of energy and heat. And in order to prevent such loss of energy and money, consider choosing windows that are lined with a special coating that reflects the heat and offer great insulation. Furthermore, by replacing standard curtains with thermal ones, you will reduce your energy bills for years to come. This isn’t only good for your wallet, but also for the planet, giving your home an eco-savvy vibe. You can also choose fabrics from recycled fibers and renewable sources such as linen wool and organic cotton. Support Local Artists Check Craigslist, phone books, and social media websites for artisans, potters, woodworkers and other artists near you who offer eco-friendly home decor products such as home accessories, artworks, and furnishings. By shopping handcrafted items locally, you eliminate energy expenditure involved in shipping and it also means that you buy distinctive green home decor as well as strengthening your local economy. SHARE THIS POST