SIMPLE CHOICES
These resolutions are good for your home and for the planet
Being kinder to the world is one New Year’s resolution I think we would all agree is a good one to consider. Making simple, conscious choices when cleaning and decorating can be an easy way to live a greener (and healthier) life while spending so much time at home.
I plan to start by making small monthly goals. This month, I’ll no longer use salt to clear ice from my walkway (did you know sprinkling cat litter over icy patches provides an excellent grip when walking?).
Next month, I’ll ensure any dish soap purchased is phosphate free. By the end of 2021, I will have completed 12 easy steps to a greener home.
From small to large decisions we can all create a positive and lasting impact on the Earth while still having clean and gorgeous homes. Are you with me? These ideas and products can get us started on a shared path toward the goal of a greener earth.
DECORATE IT GREEN
Being green when decorating is as easy as making natural material choices. For instance, choosing natural fibre (wool, cotton or silk) rugs gives style and comfort, and when it’s no longer needed, breaks down much quicker than a synthetic rug will. Cork plank flooring is a great alternative to laminate flooring, and wicker storage bins are greener (and more attractive) than plastic tote bins. Organic cotton bed and bath linens have become standard fare for eco-decorators.
Eco find: Homesense offers on-trend, certified organic cotton bedding for less than $50 — far less than synthetic sheets sell for! The lesson: Choosing natural materials and avoiding synthetic materials is generally a gentler choice for a healthier planet.
SCRUB IT GREEN
When it comes to house cleaning chores, there are many ways to help the Earth and save money at the same time. Choosing a vacuum cleaner that has a dirt canister (saves throwing away expensive vacuum bags), using vinegar to make countertops gleam (forgoing the chemicals in standard cleaning solutions) and choosing washable microfibre pads (instead of using disposable mop pads) are all easy ways to create a cleaner and greener home.
For scrubbing fruits and vegetables (a practice many have adopted since the pandemic started) or other cleaning tasks around the house, you can’t go wrong with the Libman all-purpose kitchen brush — its bristles are made of recycled water bottles. I consider it my magic cleaning wand on grocery day!
WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
Up-cycling is a great way to keep home furnishing out of the landfills. Here are three easy, eco-chic ways to breathe new life into your home’s decor.
■ Hang a patterned area rug behind the bed as a colourful headboard.
■ Cut down the legs of a small dining table to use as a large coffee table.
■ Turn a vintage sewing table into a bar cart for future entertaining.
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl on Instagram at Karl Lohnes.
Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years and is the Editor At Large at Style At Home.