As a society, we are slowly but steadily becoming aware of just how important it is to be environmentally responsible in life. This is why we are doing our best to steer clear of junk food, support local farmers and manufacturers, and embrace a sustainable way of life. If you would like to find out how you can pursue a more sustainable lifestyle, read on. We have put together a list of things you can do to make both your life and your home interior more environmentally friendly.
Make your own cleaning products
Keeping your home clean is important, but do you know what kind of cleaning products are you using and the effect these can have on the environment? Sadly, a great number of everyday cleaning products that are being sold in department stores all over the world contain traces or toxic materials. Some of them are outright toxic on their own, meaning that the health of your family members and your pets might be in danger, as well as the environment. It’s a good thing that you can use natural ingredients to make your own cleaning products in the blink of an eye. All you need is some borax, lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar, and a few drops of essential oils.
Good insulation
Two of the most crucial factors you have control over in your home are heating and lighting, and you can change and improve them significantly with a few simple steps. Keep in mind that most of the heat in your home escapes through the doors and windows, which is why it’s important that both are made of good materials. Not just that, but they should also provide good insulation and seal the air inside your home. Hang some drapes or curtains on the windows, as these help keep the warm air inside during colder months, but they also keep the sun’s heat out during summer. You can also keep different blinds and shades if it’s more convenient, and you can open and shut them as needed. In addition to this, carpets help retain about 10% of the room’s heat, so choose them carefully.
Natural materials
Speaking of carpets and drapes, you can make your home interior not only more sustainable but also more eco-friendly if you start buying and using items made of natural materials. This means less plastic and more glass, wood, cotton, jute, and bamboo. A simple round jute rug will look great on your floors, and when you pair them with terracotta flower pots, soft faux fur blankets on your sofa, and light cotton curtains, you will transform your living room into a sustainable sanctuary. You could also try buying cotton towels and bath mats made of pebbles or real moss for your bathroom, and simple cotton bedsheets for your bedroom.
Choosing “greener” products
Just like you could try buying items made of natural materials for your home, you could also buy other “greener” products which would change your lifestyle for the better. For example, you could start using reusable coffee cups and water bottles, say no to plastic straws and bags, and reduce the paper clutter in your home. Say no to paper bills and credit card statements, as these can easily be viewed online, and start using more recycled products in your household. You could also try discovering new recipes and do a bit of research to find out how you can reduce food waste in your household.
Discover better lighting solutions
Sustainable homes use whatever they can from nature, including sunlight, so strategically placed windows and skylights can make a huge difference. If you have a lot of windows in your home, it means that you can rely on natural light and minimize the use of artificial light. This way, you will be saving a lot of money on electricity bills, and you’ll also help save the planet. When you do need artificial lighting, try to use more LEDs and compact fluorescent light bulbs, as these not only save energy, but also last longer.
Environmentally friendly interior design, building, and living are incredibly important in today’s society, and it doesn’t come as a surprise that a great number of people are doing their best to embrace these principles. Changing your way of life isn’t exactly easy, but if you have a good motive, you will find that it isn’t impossible to live a more sustainable life in a sustainable home. Make small changes over a period of time and our planet will be grateful for your efforts.
