When it comes to improving and updating your decor, ensuring it is as eco-friendly as possible is hugely beneficial not just to the environment but also to your health. This article written by Drill Service features sustainable home improvement tips for the ultimate eco-friendly interior.
Flooring
Choosing flooring is a big decision in terms of appearance and practicality, particularly if you have children or pets. You need something that looks good but is also durable and made from a sustainable material that will last a long time and save you money. The following flooring types are great eco-friendly alternatives to carpet, which is typically made from synthetic fibres and treated with chemicals that are then released into the air in your home having a negative impact on you and the environment.
- Bamboo – Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth, it is also incredibly versatile making it a great material for use in the home. As flooring, bamboo actually has a greater tensile strength than steel and it’s one of the only hardwood floors resistant to pet nails! Stone – Natural stone tiles and flooring is a non-manufactured material that is an on-trend and high-quality alternative to using carpet. Stone flooring isn’t harmful to the environment as it doesn’t require any chemical glazing, staining or solvents to produce. Recycled Tiles – One of the most eco-friendly flooring options is recycled tiles as they are incredibly long-lasting and they don’t release unpleasant odours or toxic fumes like other synthetic materials do. Tirex – Did you know that a whopping 486,000 tonnes of tyres are thrown away every year in Britain? Tirex is carpet that is made from recycled car tyres, which makes positive use out of this waste and it also acts as a really hard-wearing flooring.
Non-Toxic Paint
Normal paint contains lots of harmful chemicals and toxic fumes which are not only dangerous when being applied, but also afterward as the chemicals continue to be released into the air in your home. Choose a non-toxic, water-based paint that is free from titanium dioxide and is made from natural solvents or has plant-based ingredients.
Fabrics
From bedding to curtains and soft furnishings, choosing the right fabrics and ensuring they are sustainable is important when it comes to making eco-conscious decisions.
- Hemp – Hemp is an ideal alternative to using cotton around the home, as it is stronger and requires less pesticides and herbicides to create on a large scale.
- Organic cotton – although normal cotton has a huge negative impact on the environment, organic cotton is a much better choice as it contains no pesticides or harmful chemicals, it’s also widely available to purchase on the high street and isn’t overly expensive.
- Soy – Used to create silk and cashmere alternatives; soy is not only eco-friendly but it is also completely cruelty-free – it’s easy to wash and wrinkle-resistant too making it the perfect choice for bedding.
Air Purifying House Plants
Plants have many benefits in the home, not only can they be used to decorate a room but they also have impressive health and environment benefits. A peace lily, for example, is known for being a natural anti-pollutant power plant. It looks beautiful in any area of the home and works to eliminate harmful air pollutants by purifying the oxygen and can absorb ammonia and benzene.
Author bio:
Drill Service is a privately owned, limited company based in Horley that specialises in the manufacturing and selling of cutting tools. They have over 50 years of experience within the tools industry and their particular area of expertise is reamers.