It's never been easier to find eco-friendly products. If you want to do your bit for the planet and you're planning to redecorate your home, make sure you choose these green alternatives to help you significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
1. Buy pre-loved
The most effective way of keeping your carbon footprint as small as can be during redecoration is to buy pre-loved furniture and decorations. Head to eBay and Gumtree, where you're sure to find a whole host of vintage bargains that will allow you to revamp your home without doing any damage to the planet.
You can also do your bit for the planet by listing the furniture you're replacing online or giving them to a friend, family member, or charity.
2. Choose your wood carefully
If you have your heart set on a new piece of furniture but want to do your bit to help combat deforestation, make sure it's made from FSC certified wood. Products made from this sustainably sourced wood are marked by the FSC's 'tick tree' logo. By buying furniture marked with this organisation's stamp, you can guarantee it has been made from wood that was harvested according to the 10 FSC principles, meaning it's a lot better for the environment than standard furniture.
3. Choose thermal curtains
By replacing your standard curtains with their thermal alternatives, you'll reduce your energy bills for years to come. This is as good for your wallet as it is for the planet, making this one a no-brainer. Pick up a plain thermal curtain lining and hang it behind your curtains of choice.
4. Buy low-VOC paint
One of the most affordable ways to give a room a new lease of life is by giving it a fresh lick of paint. However, it's important to know that not all paints are created equal. In fact, some paints may contain a variety of nasties called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 'These can release toxic emissions into the atmosphere for years after they've been put on your walls. This is harmful for the planet and even worse for you and your family, who could be breathing those chemicals in for years to come.
Until recently, VOCs were essential to the performance of paint. However, recent developments mean safer paints are readily available — make sure you pick up a tin labelled 'low-VOC'.
5. Avoid carpet
If you want to be as environmentally friendly as possible while redecorating your home, avoid carpet. Full of chemicals and pollutants, it not only harms the planet when it's manufactured, but also releases all kinds of toxins into your home during its lifespan. Plus, even the most hardwearing carpet only lasts around a decade before it needs to be replaced.
When it comes to replacing your flooring, always opt for real wood if you want to be as eco-friendly as possible.
6. Choose the right candles
There's nothing quite like the warm glow of a candle to create an ambience in your home on an evening. However, you need to be careful which candles you choose if you want to do as little harm to the planet as possible. A lot of cheap candles contain the same harmful VOCs as standard paints, while they might also contain metal in the wick to keep it burning upright. So, always pick candles made from natural materials like soy or beeswax and scented with essentials oils to avoid those toxins.
7. Add plants to your home
Houseplants breathe in carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen. They also soak up a lot of harmful toxins and pollutants, purifying the air. So, for a simple (and stylish) way to boost your green credentials, add a houseplant or two to every room in your home.
