Greenify Your Scene. Photo Source: Freepik
- From chic and green decorating ideas to daily hacks that make a positive impact, learn how your choices at home can be a statement of your values and devotion to the planet.
As we hustle for progress, our world is dealing with some major challenges that require us to all get on board with a more sustainable and earth-loving way of life. Many of us actually starting to realize the impact our actions have on the environment, which is why we’re now seeing home design, decor, and daily life as powerful tools to make a positive change. People all around the world are revamping their living spaces and adopting practices that not only show their love for the planet but also reflect their sense of responsibility.
Nowadays, being environmentally woke means our choices at home aren’t just about looks – they’re actually a statement of our values and devotion to keeping that delicate balance between humans and nature. And you can definitely do the same too! Author is here to be a guide and a kick in the butt for those who are ready to start their journey towards an eco-conscious lifestyle—a way of life that genuinely cares in every way possible.
Come on, grab your reusable water bottle, and let’s dive into the colorful world of eco-friendly home design, decor, and day-to-day life hacks!
let’s look at what mother nature has gifted us!
1/ Smart Furniture Pick
Time to dig into your grandparents’ storage for old furniture. Photo Source: JD Institute
One of the first steps in creating an eco-friendly, sustainable home is to carefully choose furniture that aligns with your environmentally conscious goals. There are several smart ways to make your furniture selection more sustainable:
We all know that when moving into a new place, we’re often excited to find beautiful, new furniture to fill our homes – it’s natural to head straight to popular stores like Ikea or local furniture shops. However, if you’re aiming for a sustainable lifestyle that is mindful of the environment, reconsider purchasing brand new pieces. With billions of people on Earth, if everyone constantly purchased new furniture, our waste problem would only grow exponentially.
So, why not try purchasing secondhand furniture? As my grandmother always says, “old is gold.” Just because something is old doesn’t mean it’s useless; in fact, many older pieces of furniture have much better quality and durability in comparison to their modern counterparts. If your parents or grandparents have any old furniture they no longer need, that’s even better! You can save money and cherish a good-quality piece passed down through your family – it’s like having a piece of history!
If you find some secondhand pieces that seem worn out or dated, don’t worry! There’s always the option to refurbish them. By repainting, reupholstering, or making other small adjustments, you can breathe new life into older furniture and even put your own creative spin on these items. If you lack the necessary skills for these projects, it’s likely that someone in your family or circle of friends could lend a helping hand. Alternatively, you can look for a local store that offers refurbishing services.
2/ You’re So Toxic, Paint
Remove toxic people from your life! And the paint too! Photo Source: Today’s Homeowner
Ever since I was a child, I had an unusual fondness for the smell of paint. Whenever my family decided to give the house a fresh coat or brighten up a room or two, I couldn’t help but sit in the freshly painted area, enjoying the strong scent. Unsurprisingly, I would often be scolded and told not to do that. Little did I know that the activity I enjoyed so much was actually harmful to my health – I was basically breathing in toxins!
These harmful substances, known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), can be found in many common household items we use on a daily basis. They’re present in cleaning products, appliances like refrigerators, and of course, paints. VOCs have an unpleasant tendency to seep into our environment, leading to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat as well as more serious respiratory problems if exposure is prolonged. In addition to their impact on our health, VOCs are also responsible for the creation of ground-level ozone, a key component in the formation of troublesome smog.
So if you’re picking a new colour for your room, make sure that you purchase your paint, from eco-friendly brands! For Malaysians, you can look up few brands in the market that are eco-friendly, or if I would suggest, pick Nippon Paint – it’s been my family’s go-to brand for as long as I can remember, considering how much I enjoyed sniffing fresh paint (and no, this is not a sponsored plug!).
By choosing eco-conscious paint options like Nippon Paint or other similar brands, you can ensure both a beautiful home and a healthier environment for all.
3/ A Plant or Two to Brighten Your Days
Inhale and exhale only the good air. Photo Source: Freepik
A lot of people nowadays incorporate indoor plants into their home. Whether it’s a love for plants and flowers or simply wanting to make your house look pretty, adding indoor plants is a great choice. Not only does it enhance the aesthetics of your home, but it also helps in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly living space.
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to feel disconnected from nature. That’s why more and more people are turning to indoor plants to bring a touch of the outdoors inside their homes. Not only do these green companions add a splash of beauty to our living spaces, but they also offer a myriad of benefits for our overall well-being.
Indoor plants are like little air purifiers, silently working to remove harmful toxins from the air we breathe. They act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants and releasing fresh oxygen into our homes. This is especially important in urban areas, where pollution levels can be high. By having a few potted plants scattered throughout your living space, you are ensuring that you and your loved ones are breathing in cleaner air.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Studies have shown that being around plants can have a positive impact on our mental health. As we take care of our leafy friends, watering and tending to them, a sense of calm washes over us. It’s almost therapeutic, providing a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life. Just a few moments spent gazing at the lush green leaves can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace and tranquility.
4/ And At Last I See The Lights
A green light for an eco-friendly home. Photo Source: Medium
Another fantastic idea to start an eco-friednly home is with your lighting. You might feel that eco-friendly lights are complex or tough to find, but don’t worry, it’s actually easier than you think. Here’s why:
You’re probably familiar with incandescent bulbs, which are commonly used in many light fixtures. However, if you’re serious about going green, these should be the least desirable option. Incandescent bulbs aren’t energy efficient because they convert only a small fraction of their energy into light, while the rest gets wasted as heat. Consequently, you have to replace them often, which is not environmentally friendly.
So, what can you use instead of regular incandescent bulbs? One option is to choose Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs). CFLs are not just more eco-friendly but also safer compared to incandescents. They produce less heat, so they pose a lower fire hazard when used in various lighting fixtures. Although CFLs cost more initially, they last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Moreover, CFLs consume about 70% less energy than incandescents, so you end up saving money and protecting the environment by reducing waste in the long run.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are another excellent option for eco-conscious lighting. While these might be more expensive than CFLs upfront, their lifespan is even longer—whereas a CFL bulb may need replacement after 10,000 hours of use, an LED bulb can work effectively for around 100,000 hours!
LEDs are incredibly energy efficient as well. They convert approximately 95% of their energy into light, leaving only 5% wasted as heat. Consequently, LED bulbs are 90% more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, making them a superior choice for the environment.
5/ Alexa, Make This House Eco-Friendly
Always look on the bright side of life! Photo Source: Freepik
When we talk about smart home, there are tons of misconception of it increasing energy cost and leaving a larger ecological footprints. So before you raise your eyebrow upon seeing this particular point of this article, let me explain why smart home is also a good eco-friendly choice for home.
One major advantage of smart home technology is the ability to remotely monitor and control your home. Using mobile apps or web interfaces, homeowners can access real-time data on their energy consumption and make adjustments as needed, even when they’re not at home.
For instance, let’s say you’re enjoying a much-deserved vacation in a far-off destination and suddenly remember that you forgot to switch off the air conditioner before leaving. With a smart home system in place, you could simply pull out your phone and turn off the AC with just a few taps – a convenient solution that saves energy and money
Another significant advantage of smart home technologies lies in their potential for efficient water management. A prime example is the use of smart irrigation systems in gardens and lawns. These devices utilize weather data and soil moisture sensors to determine the best watering schedule for plants, ensuring that water is used only when necessary. This prevents over-watering while effectively conserving precious water resources.
Furthermore, smart thermostats can learn an individual’s heating and cooling preferences over time. By adapting temperature settings based on occupancy patterns and personal preferences, these thermostats help reduce both energy consumption and carbon emissions. As a result, homeowners can save money on utility bills while also helping protect the environment.
The Perfect Home For A Greener Future
Creating a sustainable home through eco-friendly decor and design choices goes beyond just installing solar panels. It is about acknowledging our responsibility to the environment and making conscious decisions that reflect our values. In conclusion, adopting an eco-conscious lifestyle not only helps preserve the planet but also reveals a deeper connection with our surroundings and our commitment to positive change. So why don’t you join us in this journey towards sustainability and proudly display our love for both style and the environment in every aspect of our homes?
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