In the past few decades issues like climate change and global warming have come to the forefront of the international stage. With our environment being threatened by society’s actions, people have been on the lookout for alternative solutions to everyday things to help protect the planet.
Trends like sustainable fashion, veganism, and zero-waste are quickly turning into lifestyles, with thousands of people from all over the world committing to them. Thankfully, even the home and furniture industry has adapted to the times.
So if you’re looking for some ways you can have a more sustainable and eco-friendly home, we’re listing down some ideas you can definitely incorporate into your home life.
1. Consider renting furniture
One major problem with the furniture industry is furniture waste. When people move or decide to renovate their homes, furniture is simply thrown out with no thought of how it will affect the environment.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency revealed in a study done in 2017, that the U.S. received a total of 37.2 million tons in durable goods. Everything from furniture and furnishings to major and small appliances, and even carpets and rugs all contributed to tons of waste.
One of the many benefits of renting furniture means that you don’t have to worry about disposing of your furniture if you decide to move or re-furnish your home. When you rent with companies like Hong Kong based Føerni, they make sure to maximize the life of each piece of furniture to help reduce furniture waste.
2. Go for pre-loved pieces
Not only are they considerably cheaper than brand new pieces you’ll get at furniture stores, but you’ll also be extending the use of different furniture pieces, which will also help in making sure they don’t end up in landfills.
There are many avenues you can try in the search for some second hand furniture. You can try online groups and forums, thrift stores, and even garage sales. Who knows, you might even find vintage pieces you won’t be able to find anywhere else!
3. Repurpose or upcycle
Just because something is old doesn’t mean that there’s no more use for it. It just takes a little bit of creativity and out of the box thinking for you to figure out how to repurpose or upcycle your old furniture.
For example, if your old sofas and armchairs are getting a bit worn, opt to reupholster them with some new fabric instead of buying another one. Not only will you save a few dollars, but you’ll also be helping the environment.
4. Try your hand at some D.I.Y.
If you’ve got a knack for arts and crafts (or even if you don’t — you can find lots of tutorials online!), you can make your own home decor. You can repaint your table to match your living room, knit a rug, change your lamp shade, and the list goes on. Sure, it might be more time-consuming to do everything yourself, but it’ll just have more meaning for you in the end.
5. Swap out plastic
One of the biggest environmental pollutants is plastic. Commit to making the switch and swap out your plastic chairs and tables for sturdier more durable pieces. They might be more costly, but will definitely last longer in the long run.
If you can take it a step further and eliminate plastic from your lifestyle entirely, meaning plastic amenities like kitchenware and other utilities, that would be even better, and a huge win for Mother Nature!
6. Become a plant parent
Literally go green by adopting a plant. There are many claims that taking care of plants is a therapeutic way to pass your time and can help you de-stress. Whether that’s true or not, becoming a plant parent still has many benefits. Not only are plants bright decorative pieces that can light up any room, they also help purify the air in your home by combating the pollutants in the wind and help produce oxygen as well.
You can find many low maintenance plants from your neighborhood florist or gardening store. (Just make sure to get a real plant and not one of those plastic store-bought ones!)
