Fortunately, it’s easy to be green. In fact, you’ll be well on your way with a few insightful sustainable interior design ideas. Moreover, residential, commercial, and industrial spaces can benefit equally from eco-design.
Hire a sustainable designer
Working with a professional versed in eco-friendly interior design is a foolproof way to create a green abode. For one thing, sustainable interior designers are up to date on eco practices. They can pick furniture, fixtures, and appliances that have the lowest impact on the environment. In addition, designers promote local businesses and enhance indoor air quality.
Often these choices are not as obvious as they might seem. When it comes to flooring, for instance, linoleum is a better choice than vinyl. The reason is linoleum consists mainly of jute, a natural fiber. Vinyl is also known to be toxic. This is an example of how a sustainable interior designer could guide your design decisions.
Source local and fair trade
Creating an eco-friendly home takes mindful decision-making. One such choice comes down to supporting local makers and businesses. Also keep an eye out for fair trade products. They support transparency, equity, and respect in the global trading market.
What’s more, you reduce the need and requirements of long-distance transportation when you buy local. Plus, local products are often unique and Fair trade is based on principles that ensure companies put people and the planet first. These principles include:
- Supporting economically disadvantaged producers through opportunity creation
- Ensuring an organization is transparent and accountable on all aspects
- Not supporting child, forced, or exploited labor
- Upholding fair payment, including reasonable prices, wages, and local living wage
- Commitment to non-discrimination, freedom of association, women’s economic empowerment, and gender equity
- Providing a good and safe working environment
- Maintain positive development within marginalized producers
- Respecting the environment by opting for sustainably managed sources, buying locally
- Minimizing waste and negative environmental impacts
Choose low impact materials
It can be hard to tell the difference between unsustainable and sustainable interior design materials. Cotton, for instance, is a natural fiber but the environmental cost of manufacturing is high. According to studies, it can take as much as 20,000L water to produce one cotton shirt and a pair of jeans. In this case, recycled, organic cotton is certainly your best bet as it takes substantially less water and energy to produce. You would never suspect that these pillows are made from 100% hemp and linen. Hemp and sustainable fabrics have come such a long way in design and texture. If looking for beautiful and sustainable textiles are important to you then Urbanre-leafhome may have several options that can work for your home.
Rayon is another example of where the natural tag can be misleading. It consists of plant fiber that is biodegradable. However, the manufacturing process is chemical, water, and energy-intensive. As a result, its production releases hazardous compounds into the air and waterways. This can cause health problems to factory workers as well as surrounding communities.
Reclaim and Recycle furnishings
Take stock of the things you have. Eco-friendly interior design is made easy when you reclaim, recycle or reuse. For example, outdated furniture, like sofas, can be reupholstered and benches or cupboards can be refinished. A coat of paint could also be all you need for an update. You can also reduce waste by thrift shopping or using vintage and antique décor.
Select sustainable Interior Design Products
Sustainable interior design products are low-impact, as mentioned above, as well as durable and timeless. And some items may be more expensive, but they will last much longer than cheaper options.
In essence, saving for high-quality products is better than splashing on quick trends that only last a season. Not only do lower quality products create waste when they wear, but they often come from unsustainable practices. At Urban Re-Leaf home we strive to make sustainable and eco friendly pillow covers. We only use hemp, mud cloth or linen on all the fronts of our pillow covers.
Install energy wise lighting
Lighting makes all the difference in an interior. Luckily, lighting design happens to be one of the most affordable areas in which to make a green difference. So, opt for energy-efficient fixtures as well as making the most of natural light.
Eco interior design incorporates smart glass, larger windows, and skylights where possible. It also prefers light color schemes that lessen the need for artificial lighting. When it comes to artificial lighting, LEDs or composite fluorescent bulbs are best. They last longer and lower energy consumption.
Save water with fixtures
Small changes can certainly have a big impact. In fact, by installing water-efficient shower heads and faucets, you can minimize your water use by 70%. This is an inexpensive eco swap that could certainly decrease your monthly water bills. So, it goes to show sustainable interior design updates don’t need to be costly at all.