Sustainability is not just for large corporations or organizations looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It may seem like a daunting task to “live a sustainable lifestyle” but you can start with something small, like your home decorations! To make it easy for you to get started, we gathered the top tips and tricks. Our goal is to make sustainable decorating less of a nuisance and more of a fun project!

Let’s get started!

Try to avoid plastic items. While other materials may be more expensive, they tend to last longer and won’t be toxic. 

One great way to keep costs down while also maintaining your goal of being 100% sustainable is to keep your decorations minimalistic or even creating pieces yourself. There are tons of DIY ideas on the internet that you could replicate, or you could even come up with your own! Our favorites are recycled clay pot wind chimes, wooden pallet art, and license plate pencil holders. When creating your own pieces, using natural and organic materials will help keep your homemade decorations eco-friendly!

Another way to stay under budget is to purchase used items rather than new ones. Taking a trip to your local thrift shop or Goodwill is a great way to do this, but if you aren’t near a brick-and-mortar location, there are so many great sites online to find second-hand furnishings. 

If you can’t find the perfect second-hand decorations to match your vision, but have found something similar, don’t be afraid to refurbish! If something needs a fresh coat of paint or can be created into something new entirely, go for it! Repurposing items is a great way to make a second-hand item feel new.

When second-hand items just don’t fit the bill, you can shop for new furniture created with sustainably-sourced materials. Not sure if your favorite Etsy seller is sustainable? Just ask!

A great way to maintain your home’s sustainability beyond the decoration process is by investing in pieces that will help not only reduce your costs, but also reduce your impact on the environment. For example, thermal curtains will help reduce your home’s energy bill while also decreasing your total energy spending. Good for you and good for the planet!

Wanting to add some plants to your newly decorated space? Try to buy ones that are low-water plants. This way you are saving water, and reducing the risk of your plant dying if you forget to water it!