Environmentally Friendly Home Decor - Tips and Tricks Slap what 'environmentally friendly' onto a product and it's almost certain to sell like hot cakes. This is also true with regards to home accessories, as individuals are always looking for ways to incorporate eco-friendly trends to their home accessories and decor. Obviously, finding interior decor that's beautiful and eco-friendly can be a challenge. Here are some basic tips and tricks.
Reclaimed
Undoubtedly, the simplest way to be 'eco-friendly' would be to skip the newly manufactured home accessories (even those produced from recycled materials) and opt instead for reclaimed items. This includes things you could find at thrift stores, antique stores, garage and yard sales, estate sales, secondhand stores and through various online stores, such as eBay.
iron wall decorIf you are willing to put the effort in, you can find all kinds of reclaimed items. Note that 'reclaimed' does not necessarily mean the piece continues to be assembled using different reclaimed materials. It can also mean items which have been salvaged within their entirety. This includes furnishings, light fixtures, square and oval mirrors of all sizes, wall art and much, much more.
Recycled
Unfortunately, reclaimed pieces could be surprisingly expensive. This is also true of items, such as furniture, made from reclaimed wood. However, you'll be able to find home accessories and decor within the stores which are made from recycled products, which can be extremely eco-friendly.
Recycled glass tends to be less expensive and simple to come-by, so there is no reason to buy a newly manufactured glass vase over a recycled glass vase. Plus, like many items, glass can be manipulated into new colors, shapes and sizes. The vast majority of people will struggle to tell that the new pieces are made from recycled materials, though you might want to let them know!
Wrought Iron HavenReuse
Finally, don't be afraid to reuse existing components of your home. You are able to reupholster old furniture, or refinish old wood furniture to produce a fresh, change for less money and fewer harm to the environment. Reusing existing interior decor can save not only money, but will put less waste and toxins in to the environment.
When reupholstering furniture or just creating new covers for your existing throw pillows, search for fabrics for example organic cotton, silk, bamboo-based fabrics and polyesters made from recycled plastics. Make sure to always choose upholstery grade fabrics for reupholstering, as these holds up the best over 'regular' fabrics.' There are other fabrics that are also environmentally friendly including hemp, soy-based fabrics, linen, cashmere, ingeo (that is made from fermented plant sugars) and alpaca fabrics.