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When shopping for furniture and home accessories, style is usually the first thing on the buyer’s mind. But we’re here to argue that sustainability should be a key factor in your home decor decisions, and it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice beauty.
You can search for furniture and home goods made of recycled materials, second-hand items, or shop at stores that offset their carbon footprint and/or contribute to organizations that work to save the environment and fight against climate change. With some quick research, you can find out how a company measures up. If a retailer is practicing sustainability at all, you should be able that information clearly stated on its website.
We’ve compiled a list of the sites where you can buy beautiful sustainable home decor. Here are our favorites:
What to Consider When Shopping for Sustainable Home Decor
Sustainable Products
When shopping for sustainable home decor, you’ll want to check a few things out before you make your purchase. Search near the product description for any certifications that ensure sustainability. It’s look for organic certifications and non-toxic certifications such as GOTS and Oeko-Tex, and for products that say they’re made from recycled materials. We also love retailers that offer vintage and secondhand goods.
Company Ethos
Next, it’s great to research the company’s overall policies on labor and sustainability. Do they strive for carbon neutrality? Do they donate to environmental organizations or participate in 1% for the Planet? Companies will usually list their sustainability goals on their About Us pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is second-hand decor more sustainable than new?In almost every way, yes. Buying second hand keeps trash out of landfills, and keeps buyers from contributing to the carbon footprint of a new product’s production.
However, it can be harder to tell what secondhand items are made from, so they may contain plastics or animal-based materials that some shoppers prefer to avoid. If this is important to you, it may be a reason to buy new.
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Does sustainable home decor have to be minimalist?No! Just check out a few our our listings above, like Jungalow and Joybird. You can still adhere to the style you like, whether it’s loud and colorful, eclectic, mid-century modern, or whatever else you’re looking for.
Why Trust Treehugger?
To compile this roundup, we considered dozens of companies, ultimately deciding to include companies that strive to give back to environmental causes, work towards carbon neutrality, use recycled and recyclable materials, and work towards other types of ethical production.
This article was written and researched by Nicole Bonaccorso, a journalist who has covered climate, environment, and sustainable living for several years. In her research, Nicole keeps in mind the impact greenwashing has on the market and the buyer, and she is careful to write about only truly sustainable companies that she would consider buying from herself.
https://www.treehugger.com/best-places-to-buy-sustainable-home-decor-5201532