One of the decorating trends for 2023, consumers and manufacturers will focus on sustainability when updating their homes. Though not a new trend, it has grown in popularity, and retailers are responding with more earth-friendly products creating less waste. Also, with the trend to hold onto old, valued pieces, you will see more options for repurposing a piece you already own. In this article, let’s review the areas where you can help minimize your home’s carbon footprint.
Furniture
When buying new furniture, research by looking for the “sustainability” information for a retailer or read the details of the item you wish to purchase.
- Look for products with eco-friendly certifications, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Cradle to Cradle (C2C), and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). When purchasing online, choose retailers with a minimal packaging policy or a circular approach to packaging. Which aims to create a closed-loop system where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, waste is minimized, and the environmental impact is reduced. Look for information about their sourcing, packaging, and environmental initiatives on their website or social media pages.
- I love the idea of using old items that you already own or purchased in an antique or secondhand store in a new way, breathing a fresh look into an old piece. For tips, check out my Restoration and Repurpose decorating articles for inspiration.
- Look for items made from recycled, reclaimed, and sustainably sourced materials. Retailers with a Certified B Corp, such as Etsy or Uncommon Goods, commits to social and environmental responsibilities. When a material is sustainably-sourced, the goal is not harming the environment and doing good.
Textiles
There are several performance options available, to name a few, Revolution Fabrics and Sunbrella. There are also manufacturers making textiles out of marine plastic! When purchasing furniture or any textile, look for the GreenGuard certificate, which indicates that the material has no PFAs or other damaging chemicals.
Kitchen
Look for the WaterSense label when shopping for water-efficient fixtures for your kitchen. When looking for energy-efficient appliances, look for the Energy Star label. In Pennsylvania, Peco has a program where they will pick up an old refrigerator or freezer for free, and you may qualify for a rebate! Note, follow these tips if you need to dispose of a large appliance.
Lighting
Use LED lighting throughout your home. LED bulbs are energy efficient and long-lasting, which helps you save money on electricity. To mimic natural daylight, use dimmers and intelligent devices that can control the brightness and color temperature.
If you have an old piece of furniture and need help using it in your design, call me at 610-955-8202 or email me for a consultation. I can help you create an idea and redesign your space!
By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Houzz—feature photo licensed from Shutterstock.