How to Be More Sustainable at Home | Check Out These Simple Steps

I would like to start this article with one of my favourite quotes by Jochen Zeitz: “Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.” I truly believe creating a happy living environment, where you can enjoy the full potential in all aspects, you need to consider sustainability as a crucial part of it.

In this article you will learn:

• What being more sustainable at home really means.
• Why is sustainable home decorating is truly important?
• Benefits of a sustainable home.

What Being Sustainable Actually Means?

There is a lot of misconception and confusion when it comes to sustainability. It comes from overwhelming stats and facts all over the place, and naturally, it feels like a lot to take in. As a consequence, we get the impression it’s too complicated and never actually get to it.

Sustainability on its own is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Therefore, live your life happily and allow future generations to do the same, only by being kind to Earth and yourself.

In all honesty, it is much easier than you think. In broad-spectrum, think of it like this — you will reconsider every purchase you make, and as a result, you will end up buying less stuff and more often than not pieces with higher quality that will last you a lifetime. This way, you will automatically reduce what goes in landfills. You will also notice after a short period that it’s not just Earth-conscious but a smart economic decision in the long run. And that’s the fact.

How to Make Your Home More Sustainable Easily

I would like to mention a few simple ways you could be more sustainable at home, and I’m pretty sure you’re already doing some of them without even thinking:

Repurpose and reuse your old home décor and furniture.

If you put all the things you wish to get rid of together in one pile, you would be surprised how many of those things you could reuse. It could be as simple as taking off a mirror you no longer fancy in your bedroom and hanging it in the bathroom. A fresh coat of non-toxic paint works wonders too (trust me). If you decided to get rid of it, sell it or donate and make someone else happy. Try to do it within your neighbourhood and like that reduce CO2 emissions produced by transport.

Choose sustainable materials.

It should be ecological, natural, durable, reusable and recyclable. To name a few: cork, bamboo, FCS-certified timber, recyclable steel, sheep’s wool, non-toxic building materials, felt, organic cotton, natural jute and many more.

Can cheap items also be sustainable?

Absolutely! You don’t have to always invest in the most expensive items. You can find some sustainable yet affordable high-street pieces with the excellent quality too. Just make sure you are buying it because you need it and not because it’s cheap, as you’ll end up with more clutter.

Find sustainable alternatives to the items you use regularly.

Things like: kitchen towel, cotton napkins, grocery bag, cotton table cloth, reusable straws, organic wool dryer balls, biodegradable lunch box and similar.

Take advantage of natural light

Another way to create a happier and more comfortable environment. You will also see some savings big time in your utility bills just by having doors and windows with the air-tight insulation and maximising the sunshine that comes through.

Reduce use of plastic wherever possible.

As you already know, plastic is harmful to the environment, but it can also be detrimental to your health. Some plastic items take up to 1000 years to decompose in landfills. Thankfully, we have plenty of other alternatives nowadays.

Introduce real plants in your home.

Greenery will bring a seamless transition between outdoors and indoors. Plants are literally a breath of fresh air. They play an essential role when it comes to boosting your mood, productivity and creativity, reducing stress, depression and respiratory difficulties.

Clean your home with natural, non-toxic products.

You can even DIY some cleaning products easily: soap, laundry detergent, carpet cleaner, moth repellent, bathroom disinfectants etc.

Take your time.

As Willem McDonough said: “Sustainability takes forever, and that’s the point.” It is not a change that happens overnight. Before rushing into any shopping, it’s worth living in your home for a more extended period of time until you get the feel of the space. This way, you’ll avoid making major decorating mistakes and accumulating items that will end up hiding in the closet. And just like that, your mindset will start shifting.

Be inspired but not led by interior trends.

As I mentioned at the beginning, it is far more important to look beyond aesthetics and feel comfortable and like your true self. I believe our space is a natural projection of our mind. Bringing in your personality is never a wrong choice, as it will always represent a part of you, instead of just following what’s trendy at the time.

Sustainable Home — Benefits

If you are still unsure and ask yourself, why should I do any of it, here are some benefits that might make you think differently:

· A sustainable home is easier to maintain

· Efficient use of space

· Better indoor air quality

· Reduced environmental footprint

· Energy and water efficiency

· Optimised and lower living costs in the long run

· Less natural resource depletion and pollution

· And what we all look for at the end of the day — a happier and more fulfilled life.

In conclusion:

Being a part of a modern society and consumerism cycle, we are constantly bombarded with some new must-have items we should buy, which makes us feel guilty if we don’t. This is where the impulse shopping happens. Maybe it’s not easy to resists at first, but it is doable.

You simply need a more mindful approach to shopping in general. Once you get into the habit of buying only things you will actually use, I promise you, you will find it rewarding and a sense of relief.

By merely owning less unnecessary stuff, it will not only make your home look more put together and less cluttered, but also simplify your life and give you space to focus more on what truly matters to you.

I hope these tips were helpful and will guide you to a happier and more sustainable home you deserve, with ease. It’s just fantastic, if you think, a few small changes one at the time and you are getting noticeable results almost immediately. Truly satisfying.

What will you do to make your home more sustainable and healthier?

If you are looking to get inspired The Green Way and read more about sustainable home styling tips with a drop of humour (hopefully a good one), I would love to invite to our Green Creative Community at barbuliannodesign.com.

Thanks for reading!

Vanja

Barbulianno Design