As many of you know, the building materials we use for our homes and the chemicals we clean them with impact our health and the planet. But what about our home decor? Materials used for our bedding, bath towels, and decor have an equal affect on the environment as the structures that hold them.
Wondering what materials you should use in your home?
Eco friendly bedding includes comforters, duvets, mattress pads, pillows, and blankets. For these items, natural fibers such as organic cotton and wool would be the most appropriate. Traditionally grown cotton causes harm to both the environment and laborers because of the extensive use of pesticides and other chemicals. Certified organic cotton is grown without the use of chemicals protecting both laborers, the surrounding land and people who might have allergies to chemically treated fabrics. Another quality that’s important to consider is water based inks for specially styled bedding. Verde’s organic cotton and non-toxic dye selection includes duvets, pillow cases, and blankets and their comforters and mattress pads have an organic cotton cover with an organic wool filling.
Note: Not all wool is considered equal. Superfine merino wool is thought of as being the softest wool and is itch-free. Why wool is used most often in bedding is that its warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Its also hypoallergenic, mold and mildew resistant, and biodegradable, making wool not only eco-friendly but practical.
Materials used most often for rugs includes bamboo, jute, organic cotton, and recycled materials. Bamboo is a remarkable resource because of how fast it grows. Some species can grow up to 3 feet a day! Bamboo is also durable, so rugs made of this renewable resource are often suitable for indoors or outdoors.
Jute, another natural fiber, is harvested from the hemp plant. This durable material is anti-microbial and anti-mildew which is perfect for entrance way rugs. There are also products on the market made out of recycled materials such as plastic water bottles and tire rubber. The type of material just depends on where the rug is going. You might not want recycled tire rubber under your feet in a bedroom!
Lighting:
Whether a light fixture, lamp, or candle there are numerous energy saving and eco-friendly options. Once again, pieces with recycled content and non-toxic coatings are your best option. Most lighting appliances are compatible with CFLs as well, but if you want to go the extra mile look for appliances with LED lights. While LEDs are not as mainstream as CFLs, they are much more energy efficient and there is no worry of mercury contamination if they break.
As for candles, my one tip would be to avoid paraffin! Soy is a much healthier option. It burns longer, cleaner, and without soot. You know how when you walk into a candles store and you immediately have a headache? Thats not the case with soy candles. Its not necessarily the fragrance thats nauseating but the combination of the fragrance and the type of wax.
The emphasis for accents is often on recycled content. Accent pieces can be made of recycled glass, reclaimed steel, or ceramic with non-toxic paint for example.
Whether your redecorating, buying a gift, or treating yourself its important to consider the life cycle of a product as well. We’ve mentioned materials used in common home decor products, but manufacturing standards and recycling options are important too. Some products may not be recyclable at the end of their use, but can last over 20 years while others may last only 5 years and can be easily recycled. Next time you make a purchase consider what it is made of, how was it made, and what do I do with it after its served its purpose.
