Sustainability is the key to improving and maintaining your interiors in a way that is healthy for you and the environment. Using sustainable methods, you can avoid harmful toxins while preserving resources. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it also makes good financial sense!
You can enjoy more savings and healthier home by keeping sustainability in mind when improving your interiors. This is since many sustainable methods are also cost-effective in the long run. Here are some of the best ways to maintain and enhance your interiors the sustainable way:
Use Low- Or No-VOC Paints, Stains, and Finishes
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful chemicals that can off-gas from paint, stain, and other finishes. These chemicals can cause respiratory problems and other health concerns. To avoid VOCs, choose your colors wisely.
For example, you plan on painting your walls a new color. You could opt for a traditional paint that has VOCs. Or, you could choose a low- or no-VOC paint. The latter is more sustainable since it doesn’t release harmful toxins into your home. These products are just as effective as traditional paints but don’t come with the same health risks.
The same goes for stains and finishes. If you’re refinishing your floors or furniture, use products with little VOCs. These products are available at most home improvement stores.
Install Green Flooring
Are you tired of your old, damaged floors? If so, it might be time to install new flooring. When choosing new flooring, choose sustainable materials such as bamboo or cork. These materials are environmentally friendly and durable. Plus, they add a unique touch to your home.
Bamboo flooring is trendy since bamboo is among the many sustainable materials on the market. It grows quickly and doesn’t require much water or pesticides to thrive. Cork is another great option. It comes from the bark of cork trees and is environmentally friendly.
If you’re not ready to replace your entire floor, you can always add an area rug. Rugs are available in various sustainable materials, including wool, jute, and sisal. These materials add warmth and personality to any room, and you can use this to cover up damaged floors.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
One of the best ways to save money and energy is to switch to energy-efficient lighting. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These bulbs also last longer, so you won’t have to replace them often.
When shopping for new bulbs, look for the ENERGY STAR label. This label means that the product meets certain efficiency standards. ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
You can also save energy by using natural light. During the daytime, open up your curtains and let the sunshine in. You can also install skylights to bring more sunlight into your home.
Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
How you clean your house can also be sustainable. Choose eco-friendly cleaning products that don’t contain harmful chemicals. These products are just as effective as traditional cleaning products but are much better for your health and the environment.
Eco-friendly cleaning products are available at most grocery stores and home improvement stores. You only need to check the labels to ensure that the products are eco-friendly. Don’t forget to look at the ingredients list and find products that don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
You also can make your cleaning products using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. For example, you can use vinegar and water to clean your windows. Or, you can use baking soda and lemon juice to remove stains from your countertops.
Invest in Professional Cleaning Services
You can always hire professional cleaning services if you don’t have the time or energy to clean your house. This is a sustainable option since it saves you time and energy. And it frees up your time to focus on more important things.
When choosing a professional cleaning service, ensure they use eco-friendly products. You can also ask them to use your own cleaning products. You should also choose a cleaning service that uses sustainable practices, like microfiber cloths that trap dirt and dust more effectively. Plus, they’re reusable, so you won’t have to keep buying new ones.
Don’t forget about looking for a reliable residential carpet cleaning company to clean, deodorize, and sanitize your carpets. They can help you clean and restore your carpets so you can enjoy them for longer. By investing in the right cleaning services, you can be sure that you won’t need new carpet replacements any time soon. Make sure to research and find one with great reviews and track record to make the most out of your investment.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to sustainable living. You can make a big impact on the environment by making a few small changes in your life. So, what are you waiting for? Start living sustainably today.
