Is it time to consider sustainable home ware brands? You can be responsible by introducing recyclable and eco friendly products into your home without having to throw everything away that does not fit into this category.
It would be good to help UK artisans whose crafts have been put at risk from mass production and buy from developing countries that commit to paying their workers a fair wage with good working conditions.
There are so many sustainable home products available now to help you protect the environment. Many manufacturers are trying to offer products that have been constructed from recycled waste products.
Why not up cycle second hand materials and products, you may find old copper piping and taps, scaffolding planks for worktops or even old parquet boards for a kitchen island.
Let walls breathe, if plastering walls then consider Lime or Clay rather than plaster, its carbon neutral and can be crushed and recycled. Lime allows the walls to breathe and reduces damp as it has a natural anti-bacterial quality and its flexibility makes it extremely durable.
You can buy kitchen worktops and tiles made from recycled glass that give an individual, interesting and unique look.
Some manufacturers are producing carpets from plastic bottles, recycled Polyethylene terephthalate, if you want to be technical. They are soft underfoot, super absorbent and stain resistant.
Try and work with wood, it works well both internally and externally but it is important to source FSC certified wood which ensures the forests are managed in a way that’s environmentally, socially and economically beneficial.
Cork is an incredible material which is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, biodegradable and recyclable.
It can be used on internal walls, floors and furniture. Its insulation properties also make it ideal for external walls as it is water resistant and also repels insects!
Plant based materials are gaining ground in interiors, such as pineapple leaves and mushrooms. Products like hay, flowers and moss are being pressed together with an eco friendly binding agent to form products such as laminate self adhesive films and wall coverings.
The waste fibres from Banana plants, known as Abaca fibres are flexible and can be woven into furniture and light shades, making attractive natural alternatives to plastic.
Reduce your carbon footprint by sourcing locally; you’ll be surprised what’s on your doorstep!
I hope I have enticed you to look for a more sustainable, eco friendly approach to home interior, let’s save our planet and help our children thrive in a greener world.
Article by Sue Ellis who has a holiday let in Hebden Bridge, explore here.