The new year is a great time to think about a potential home renovation and with all of the climate issues at hand, it’s also a good time to understand the impact your home has on the environment and how you could reduce that footprint.
Creating a more sustainable (although we hesitate to use the word because it’s essentially diluted to nothing at this point) home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
There’s a ton of great research available now about what could actually make a difference and, in many cases, doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
So consider the below not as an exhaustive list, but a starting point on your planet-positive home design journey.
As with many things, every little step matters and what better way to start than in your own home?
RELATED:
Eco-Friendly Grooming
Choosing Better Furniture
If you’re thinking about home design, one of the first things you’re inevitably looking at is your furniture.
The furniture industry is one that’s long on tradition and short on innovation.
Americans throw out more than 12 millions tons of furniture annually and that’s in large part due to a general acceptance of “fast furniture”.
The big box-stores are easy and cheap compared to the alternative and offer a relatively low barrier to disposal when moving or renovating, which leads to an immense amount of waste.
Plus, those cheap tables and chairs are likely made using chemicals that “off-gas,” which could directly impact the quality of the air in your home.
So what’s the solution? Well, depending on your budget there are a couple of options.
“I would first consider your living situation and preferences,” says Sabai co-founder Phantila Phataraprasit.
“Do you get bored with your furniture easily? Do you have pets? The answers to these questions will help guide your decisions.”
Sabai’s commitment to a range of planet-positive practices is an example of how furniture can last longer and do less damage.
Generally speaking, look for recycled or upcycled materials and brands that make their material and chemical usages clear.
A little bit of research can go a long way.
A second option for furniture or other non-permanent pieces is to go secondhand.
The resale market has exploded with options like Kaiyo, where you can buy gently-used pieces at a substantial discount.
Buying a piece that’s already in the world as opposed to something new is a great way to tangibly lessen the impact of your design, potentially as much as flying a commercial airliner for an hour.
The Conversation Around Gas Is Heating Up
For a long time, gas stoves were considered the luxury standard in a kitchen.
Now, newer data highlights the potential internal and external impacts of gas, ca.
