If one of your goals in 2020 is to be more eco-friendly, why not start with the elements in your home? From simple changes like swapping out your old lightbulbs to larger projects like installing new flooring, here are some ways to incorporate more eco-friendly elements into your home decorating this year.
Choose Flooring that Will Last a Lifetime
Wood floors are timeless and can last decades if properly cared for and refinished every few years.
Reclaimed wood floors are especially eco-friendly because they don’t require new growth to be chopped down. They are repurposed from old commercial buildings, barns, and other types of buildings and structures that have been torn down, and in the case of our reclaimed wide plank floors, are crafted into beautiful flooring––so all of that wood doesn’t go to waste.
What about other flooring options? Wood is actually one of the most eco-friendly choices. Compared to carpet in particular, wood floors are extremely eco-friendly because most carpets are made of petroleum based products. The backing and the adhesives used to install carpeting are usually petroleum based as well, and all of these materials can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to troubling symptoms in people who are sensitive to them, and decrease the overall indoor air quality of your home.
Go Vintage
One of the biggest things you can do to incorporate eco-friendliness into the way you think about home decor is to buy used or vintage furniture and decor items for your house, rather than buying new. Check out your local thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales, or shop at online marketplaces specializing in used and vintage items such as Etsy and eBay.
You can find some great, curated statement pieces from shops that specialize in finding and restoring vintage furniture and home decor objects. This can also really help you add some unique personality to your space.
Go Green
Did you know that incorporating plants in your home can be good for the environment?
Hanging plants and potted plants alike can help you be more eco-friendly by emitting oxygen and filtering out airborne toxins, adding welcome humidity to heated rooms, and improving the overall air quality of your home. It can also help out looks-wise and design-wise. Freshen up the room and the air with plants. There are a variety of plants you can choose from, from low-maintenance succulents to large potted plants that add more of a statement to the room but might require a bit more care. Luckily, if you don’t have a green thumb, there are apps to help you plan out a plant watering schedule. Experiment with different plants and find what works for you!
Swap Out Incandescent Lights For LED Bulbs
This is a quick and easy fix you can make to up the level of eco-friendliness in your home. LEDs can use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent lights, while producing the same warm and familiar light. They can last up to 22 years, which is equal to 25 incandescent bulbs. So not only will you have fewer bulbs to change, there will be less waste as a result. can help you save on your energy bills as well!
Paint Your Home “Green”
No, we’re not necessarily referring to the color green, unless it fits with the rest of your space!
If you’re looking to enliven a room with a fresh coat of paint, consider choosing specifically eco-friendly paints. Conventional paints often contain toxic chemicals and VOCs, so opt for an eco-friendly brand or product instead.