While “eco-friendly décor” might have meant limited options in the past, today there’s a wider variety than ever of options to suit your taste.
Learn more about environmentally-friendly design and get our top picks for greening up your space.
What Does Eco-Friendly Mean?
Environmentally friendly is a broad term, and it can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s about reducing their carbon footprint, while for others, it’s making choices that are helpful to the earth. And for some, it’s all about choosing a lifestyle that’s good for human health, too.
All of these things - separate or together - can be considered environmentally friendly. For you, it will mean whatever makes the most sense for your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
If your goal is to live in a more environmentally conscious way, small steps made over time will lead to big results. Keep in mind that something is better than nothing – especially if you are just getting started.
5 Environmentally-Friendly Apartment Décor Ideas to Try
Read on to find simple ways you can upgrade your décor to be more environmentally friendly - no renovations required!
1. Add Plants
This is perhaps the most literal way to green up your home. Whether you have a large balcony or just a sunny window, growing plants can be simple and enjoyable.
If you’re new to houseplants, snake plants and succulents are easy to care for (and popular) choices. Those with green thumbs might try their hands at growing herbs or even vegetables indoors.
The results aren’t just aesthetic: Indoor plants can improve air quality, and may boost your mental health.
2. Shop Local or Secondhand
Choose local stores or craftspeople for your next home décor idea. Doing so will support your local economy, while reducing the extra packaging usually required to ship an item.
Shopping second-hand is another eco-friendly, and budget-conscious way to enhance your home décor. Vintage furniture and artwork can be a great way to express your personality, and prevent that piece from going to waste. As an added bonus, many older pieces are often made with higher quality materials and craftsmanship – meaning you can enjoy them for years to come.
3. Try Natural Textiles
Rugs, curtains, blankets, and pillows are easy ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Look for organic or natural materials like cotton, jute, or hemp, or select items made from recycled or reclaimed fabric.
Another way to choose eco-friendly textiles is by adding thermal or energy-efficient window curtains. They work by reducing window drafts, and keeping the air temperature stable in your home – limiting how often you need to adjust your thermostat. As a bonus, they can also help block light in the bedroom to keep your room dark at night.
4. Think About Lighting
Accent lighting can influence any room’s atmosphere – warm lighting is often preferred for bedrooms, while bright lighting works well for the kitchen or in dining areas. Look for LED lightbulbs that use less energy and typically last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Make sure to choose the correct wattage and brightness for each space.
5. Choose Wood Carefully
Eco-friendly wood furniture and accents can be easy to find, and make beautiful additions to your home. Research brands that certify their sustainability practices, or choose crafters that specify where their wood comes from.
For larger pieces, look for items that are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved. This organization helps promote sustainable forest management and offers guidelines for businesses to ensure their wood products are sustainable.
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305 West End Assisted Living is a sophisticated community for older adults who still live independently but desire a small amount of day-to-day assistance. Our community is located on the Upper West Side, blocks from Broadway, Central Park, and more.
Learn more about the lifestyle we offer at 305 West End.
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