Eco-Friendly Heating Options
Heating accounts for a significant portion of a home’s energy consumption. With a lot of focus on the exterior of our home, solar panels and home wind turbines for example, it can be easy to push thoughts of choosing the right interior heating system to the back of our minds. However, the choices you make on the inside can greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
Underfloor Heating: Underfloor heating is energy-efficient and works well with renewable energy sources like solar panels or heat pumps. It heats rooms evenly and can be more efficient than traditional radiators.
Heat Pumps: Air-source or ground-source heat pumps extract heat from the air or ground, making them a sustainable choice. Though they have a higher upfront cost, they are more energy-efficient and cheaper to run in the long term.
Wood Burning Stoves: If you prefer a traditional touch, consider a wood-burning stove. When sourced from sustainably managed forests, wood is a renewable energy source. Look for stoves with high-efficiency ratings to ensure minimal emissions.
The Energy Saving Trust is a good place to start for guidance, not just on heating, but also on the ways your thoughtful purchases of home appliances can make a big difference.
Sustainable Flooring Solutions
The floor is one of the largest surfaces in your home, so choosing sustainable materials can have a big impact both on sustainability but also the look and feel of your home.
Bamboo Flooring: Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that’s tougher than many hardwoods. It’s also stylish and available in various finishes to suit any decor.
Recycled Wood: Opting for reclaimed or recycled wood not only reduces deforestation but also gives your home a unique, rustic charm. Each plank tells a story, adding character to your space.
Cork Flooring: Cork is another renewable resource harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It’s soft underfoot, insulating, and naturally resistant to mould and pests.
There are many options for purchasing sustainable flooring, but a couple of places to start your search are Flooring by Nature or Stories Flooring.
Green Wall Finishes
The walls of your home offer a canvas to express your style while staying eco-friendly.
Low-VOC Paints: Traditional paints can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints are a healthier alternative, reducing indoor air pollution without compromising on quality or colour. Making this switch doesn’t need to be expensive with high street brands such as B&Q and The Paint Shed offering options.
Natural Wallpapers: Wallpapers made from natural fibres like jute, hemp, or recycled paper are sustainable and add texture and warmth to your walls. They often use water-based inks and adhesives, further reducing their environmental impact. For recreating that 1970’s vibe with natural materials have a look at Wallpaper from the 70s.
Clay Plaster: For a more rustic look, clay plaster is an excellent option. It’s made from natural materials, breathable, and has a beautiful, earthy aesthetic. Clayworks, a firm based in Cornwall create plasters that are unique blends of unfired clays mixed with minerals and pigments to provide healthy, breathable finishes for internal walls and ceilings.
Ethical and Sustainable Furniture
Furniture is often a major investment, so it’s important to choose pieces that are not only stylish but also sustainably sourced, ethically produced and built to last.
Reclaimed Wood Furniture: Furniture made from reclaimed wood is eco-friendly and often handcrafted, ensuring that each piece is unique. It reduces the demand for new wood and prevents old wood from going to waste. Eat Sleep Live produces reclaimed furniture with soul.
Second-Hand Furniture: Embrace the charm of vintage or second-hand furniture. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also gives your home a distinctive character. Plus, restoring old furniture can be a rewarding DIY project. Popular places to look for second-hand furniture are Facebook Marketplace and local re-use hubs.
Sustainable Furniture Brands: Some brands focus on creating furniture from ethically sourced materials. Look for companies that use FSC-certified wood, recycled materials, or sustainable fabrics. Brands like Graham & Greene, Heal’s Recycled Furniture, and West Elm have ethical and eco-friendly collections worth exploring.
Ethical Interior Ranges and Resources
When it comes to decorating your home sustainably, many brands are leading the way with ethical interior ranges.
Bolia: This Danish brand offers furniture made from FSC-certified wood and other sustainable materials. Bolia’s pieces are designed to last, making them a great long-term investment.
Nkuku: Known for its handcrafted products, Nkuku works with artisans around the world, ensuring fair wages and sustainable practices. Their range includes everything from furniture to home decor items.
Etsy: For something truly unique, Etsy is a treasure trove of handmade and vintage items. Many sellers use upcycled materials or traditional techniques that support sustainable living.
Conclusion
Creating a sustainable home doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With eco-friendly heating options, sustainable flooring, green wall finishes, and ethical furniture, you can design a space that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your soul. Start small, make mindful choices, and enjoy the journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle.