Eco Friendly Design Ideas
Every little step counts, celebrate Earth Day by making a conscious effort into making your space into an Eco Friendly home. There are many furniture and decor options that use natural materials that won’t harm the health of you and your family and also reduce environmental impact. Furniture that contains volatile organic compounds, can cause headaches, nausea, irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, and some are harmful enough to cause cancer. Here are 5 simple things you can do to create a safer and cleaner environment for you and your family.
Invest in furniture that are Greenguard Gold Certified. This means the furniture has been tested and scientifically proven to have low chemical emissions. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) can be found in carpets, mattresses, flooring, and paints. Avoid these harsh chemicals by decorating and furnishing your home with eco-friendly materials, like bamboo, 100% organic cotton, wool, natural wood, and silk.
Use houseplants as your decor. There are many types of houseplants that can help improve the air quality inside your home. For example, Snake Plants and Gerbera Daisies, provide more oxygen and filter out all the nasty chemicals. If you have pets or kids, make sure to do some research before bringing in a new houseplant because they can also be toxic when accidentally consumed.
Switch to 100% organic cotton for bedding, throw pillows, upholstery, etc. They are farmed without any harmful pesticides and use less water. They are free of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde and flame retardants. 100% organic cotton is also a safer choice for people with sensitive skin because it is not processed with detergents and chemicals.
Don’t barricade your windows with heavy drapes, instead use light sheer curtains to welcome in natural light and warmth to your space. In the evening, opt for LED lights because they use less energy and last longer.
Clean your home with DIY non-toxic cleaners. Did you know that you can successfully wipe your windows and clean your shower with white vinegar, water, and a little dish soap? There are a few essential oils, like cinnamon, tea tree oil, and rosemary that can also kill bacteria and viral pathogens. Mix one of these oils with some white vinegar and water, and you just made a disinfectant spray for your kitchen and bathroom.
