Eco Friendly Summer Décor

By Lauren Caggiano

After spending so much time at home the last few years, many homeowners are looking to revamp their homes this summer.

“Eco-friendly interior design” is a top search term, as consumers are more conscious about how their actions affect the planet. That said, here’s a primer on how to make purchases with this consideration in mind:

Invest in furniture made from natural materials.

Most affordable pieces are made from synthetic materials. You might consider swapping such items both inside and out with ones made from wood. It’s important to look for wood with the Forest Stewardship Council certification stamp to ensure you’re not using an endangered species for your furniture. Bamboo is another good option. Not only is it good for the planet; but it’s also durable and long-lasting. That’s especially important when evaluating outdoor furniture, which needs to be resilient.

Reclaimed wood, generally speaking, also gets environmentalists’ stamp of approval. You can find options on sites like Etsy, and some big box stores carry lines made with such earth-friendly materials. Some homeowners might prefer to support local companies.

Choose natural textiles and finishings.

You probably have items in every room that could be replaced with alternatives that are better for your health and the climate. Think Natural pillows, mattresses, upholstery, and bedding. These choices reduce the number of synthetic materials that end up clogging landfills. Don’t forget about underfoot. Carpets and rugs made from natural materials like wool, cotton, and jute contain fewer chemicals than traditional massproduced choices. As far as carpet, check the label to make sure it’s been tested by the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Indoor Air Quality testing program.

Buy fair trade.

Ethical sources of products and materials can make a positive impact when it comes to sustainability. For instance, fair trade is an approach to business rooted in dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system. While at first fair trade only meant handmade trinkets, this niche has grown to encompass other areas of home goods, including home textiles, linens, furniture and decor.

Locally, you can find many fair-trade items at Creative Women of the World, a boutique located at 125 W. Wayne St. in downtown Fort Wayne. From pillows to candles to ornate wall hangings, CWoW offers a wide selection of items you won’t find anywhere else. And even better, funds from the sale of these items go to support and empower women artisans all around the world. The organization has several fair-trade partners. You can learn more at https://gocwow.com.

Give old pieces new life.

Shopping secondhand is a great way to breathe new life into your space while being part of the solution. Your local Goodwill or resale shop is likely a treasure trove of vintage or quirky items. You might need to paint or refinish them but going this route is still a better option for the planet.

These trends are proof that style, comfort, and sustainability can coexist. You just might need to think outside of the box and do some research. Don’t forget to share your transformation with us. a Shutterstock.com

By Wendy Stein