Every choice you make for your home has an impact not just on the way you feel about your property but also on the environment. Everything from the candles you light to the art you hang on the walls plays a role in how natural resources are used and how waste is distributed.
You can decorate your home in style while still making eco-friendly choices. You just need to think through the options carefully and then make conscientious decisions.
Here are a few things you can do to make your home look great while also reducing your impact on the environment:
Landscaping
Well-planned landscaping can work in harmony with the environment and help the local ecosystem thrive.
To start, you need to ban the use of any toxic fertilizers or pesticides in your yard. They may keep bugs away and make your grass look lush and green, but they also dump nasty chemicals into the soil and water supply. One way to keep your plants healthy without the use of any additives is to choose native species that thrive in the area. If you are having problems with certain pests, there are particular plants you can choose that will drive them away or will attract predators of those pests.
In some cases, you may not need a patch of lawn at all. For example, you may have an area where pets use the bathroom and kill off all the foliage. You can put in artificial turf to prevent the spread of pollutants from their waste while also covering up bare patches of dirt that detract from the beauty of your lawn. Using artificial turf in places like this also reduces your dependence on chemical fertilizers and other amendments.
Exterior
You have plenty of opportunities for decorating the outside of your home using recycled or renewable resources.
Your roof is a good place to start. If you can afford them, solar panels are an excellent option for your roof. They generate energy for your home so that you reduce your dependence on coal or nuclear power. If you can’t afford solar panels, you can reduce your home’s energy consumption by installing a cool roof. The roof reflects the rays of the sun so that your home’s temperature stays naturally cooler and you don’t have to ramp up the AC each summer.
Other options for your roof include reclaimed wood shake and recycled metal (which also helps your home to be more energy efficient).
You can also choose recycled wood shake for siding and energy-efficient vinyl windows. If you are replacing any doors or the garage door, make sure you get an option that is not just stylish but also insulated.
Interior
You have much more flexibility with decorating the inside of your home in an eco-friendly way.
If you are starting with the big things, consider replacing carpet or linoleum with a renewable floor like cork or bamboo that is also easy to keep clean. Unlike carpet, these floors won’t trap waste particles and chemicals that are dragged in from outside on the soles of your feet. Therefore, they will keep the environment cleaner.
If you want to repaint, choose paints that are low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds).
Replace all your lighting with compact fluorescent lighting, which uses lower wattage. When choosing new appliances, go with energy-efficient models. When remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, choose low-flow toilets and faucets that reduce the amount of water your home uses.
For all other decor, such as furniture and art, consider buying previously owned things to reduce the demand for new resources. Next, consider buying items that incorporate recycled or reclaimed materials. In fact, if you are crafty, you should consider making some of your own art from items that you no longer want or need. Check out this site for some ideas.
Being environmentally conscious doesn’t have to limit your choices for making your home look amazing. In fact, in some cases, it actually opens up some unique options that you wouldn’t have had otherwise. You can feel good about the contribution you are making to create a better planet, and you can have a beautiful home that you would be proud to show off to friends and family.
