REUSE, RETHINK, RECYCLE

Keep this eco mantra and our helpful hacks in mind when you’re scrolling or shopping for your next style update

Lots of companies are making ‘green’ claims but how authentic are they? Knowing whether your purchases are sustainable can be tricky, so follow these tips to buying eco-friendly treasures and avoiding green-washing fakes.

Check the stockist’s credentials. Co-founder of low to zero carbon store, The Home of Sustainable Things, Petko Tashev, says: ‘Seek retailers you can trust with finding and stocking sustainable items; they’re the most likely to scrutinise new products and suppliers, plus they will give you reliable information.’

What’s it made from? Check the materials used to make the item. Recycled or repurposed materials are often best, as are climate-positive items that reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere as they’re produced. Consider what will become of the item once you’re finished with it. Research what happens to products in their afterlife once they’ve been discarded: can they be repurposed, recycled or disposed in the food waste? Ask for this information if you’re unsure,’ adds Petko.

Make do and mend. A recent study for Antiques are Green found that the environmental impact of an antique piece is six times lower than that of new furniture. Repair, varnish or repaint an existing item or Facebook Marketplace find to give it a fresh lease of life.

Do you need it? Home furnishings play their part in using up precious resources and impulse buys can clutter a well-planned scheme. Consider what your space is lacking and see if it can be fixed with an item from elsewhere in your home for a free makeover.