Ways to Decorate Your Home Sustainably
19 November, 2021Here's the thing:
Design trends come and go.
Given that, you are probably more inclined to buy affordable home décor and furnishings, which can be flimsy, replaceable, and disposable. Paired with online shopping, this habit can have huge environmental costs.
In fact, in the US, 12.1 million tons of furniture and furnishings were thrown away in 2018. Around 20% of that was incinerated for energy recovery and the remaining was landfilled.
Be mindful of your purchases
This does not mean that you should avoid decorating altogether – you just need to be mindful of what you buy and furnish in a manner that does not harm the planet.
In the future, consider buying timeless pieces that are well-made and durable. If possible, opt for those made with eco-friendly, non-toxic materials, and those made in a way that parts can be separated for recycling or can be upcycled.
If you have the resources and privilege, you can opt for higher quality home décor that are:
- Made using fair labor
- Non-polluting and resource-efficient when manufactured
- Packaged and shipped conscientiously
- From a company that is transparent with its sustainability goals
Use local textiles
Did you know that cotton can be environmentally damaging? It uses so much water to produce it can take 2,700 liters to make just one cotton t-shirt. The crops also require high levels of pesticides and other hazardous chemicals, which end up in waterways and soil.
So, what to use? For starters, you can try the inabel fabric for your throws, blankets, and pillowcases. It’s a sturdy and versatile traditional handwoven fabric originating in the Ilocos region.
The highly breathable linen – made from natural fibers obtained from the flax plant – is a sustainable alternative too. You can use it for a wide variety of household items, including bed covers and kitchen towels.
Abaca is another sustainable local treasure. When woven, it can render a tropical look and feel into your home as a planter, basket storage, or placemats.
Make sure to know your source before you purchase. By buying textiles straight from the skillful hands of our fellow Filipinos, you’re supporting sustainably-sourced local products and fair trade.
Be a minimalist
Minimalism encourages the use of fewer materials and the barest essentials to achieve clarity and order in a living space – in other words, “maaliwalas.
By going for simplicity, you avoid excessive consumption and become more eco-friendly. Fewer décor means less production of goods and consumption of raw materials, energy, and manpower. Less is definitely more when it comes to conserving the environment.
Take life to greener heights
At the end of the day, green and sustainable home decorating all boils down to buying less, recycling, and upcycling what you already have to reduce your carbon footprint. This way, you’re doing your best to avoid unnecessary emissions that burden the planet.
With Filinvest, you can lead a healthier, more holistic lifestyle because here, dreams are built green. As we stay attuned to the changing lifestyles of Filipinos, we continue to build the Filipino dream with sustainable, future-forward principles that ensure healthy and quality living in the new normal and beyond. We believe that the way forward is always green – and this is our inspiration as we craft more homes and communities.
Interested to settle down in a Filinvest home? Call us today at (02) 8-850-0888 or (0917) 545-7788.
References:
