CONSCIOUS LIVING
Making more eco-friendly choices in our homes can help to increase energy efficiency and improve air quality. From carpets to paints, here’s how to go greener
As the trend for fast fashion gives way to more sustainable clothes shopping, many of us are also looking to make greener choices in our homes. Here are some easy ways to turn your house into a more eco-friendly haven.
THINK ABOUT FLOORING
Carpets made from natural, renewable and biodegradable materials such as wool are more environmentally friendly than artificial fibres. The wool carpets in the Country Living Collection at Carpetright are extra-soft, naturally durable and easy to clean, so they’re ideal for busy homes and high-traffic areas. They also absorb sound to help create a peaceful, plush living space.
PICK PRODUCTS WISELY
Be mindful about what you buy for use in the home. If you’re choosing paint, for instance, look for responsibly sourced pigments and recyclable tins. Consider low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, as they’re less polluting and give off minimal odour, so can benefit air quality.
Take a closer look at your household cleaning products, too. Copious spray bottles generate unnecessary single-use plastics, so try to streamline your supplies and find a local refill shop so your bottles can be topped up again and again. And as a greener option, don’t underestimate the power of good old lemon and vinegar.
CUT CONSUMPTION
Ensuring your home is well-insulated is the best way to retain heat, making your energy usage more efficient and reducing your bills. Make sure windows are properly sealed, and use draught excluders if needed. Naturally insulating carpets, like the 100 per cent wool range in the Country Living Collection at Carpetright, also help to keep the home warm and cosy during winter.
Upcycling and repairing household items, as opposed to buying new, limits waste, uses fewer natural resources and saves you money. So give that old dresser a sand-down and a lick of paint; turn an unworn dress into a unique cushion cover; and take your broken toaster to the repair shop, not the tip. The environmental gains, as well as the personal satisfaction, will be huge.