4 Small And Simple Steps To A More Sustainable Home
During what’s been a trying year so far, and with many uncertainties ahead of us, let’s take a minute to celebrate our wonderful planet, stick our heads outside, breathe in some fresh air and appreciate the beauty around us.
Our world may be turned upside down right now, but there is much to be grateful for - and one of the top ones is our beautiful Earth. To show our appreciation, let's get more serious about stewarding our planet and taking better care of it. Being forced to stay home has brought about environmental gains we never thought possible in such a short period of time.
Now that we KNOW we can do it, let’s seriously think about ways in which we can be better “everyday environmentalists” as things return to normal.
Here are 4 simple ways to make your home and life more sustainable, thereby making a contribution to your environment. BONUS - they’ll also make you happier!
1. Plant something.
Whether windowsill herbs, a patio container garden, or a backyard veggie haven, get your hands into the ground, enjoy the sensory bliss of connecting to the earth, and grow something from seed.
Here's a simple DIY that I did that can help you get started.
2. Mend and make do.
Embrace repurposing, fixing or reclaiming something old instead of consuming new materials.
Paint a floor instead of replacing it.
Wallpaper a scratched chair like I did with this IKEA chair that would have been ruined had I not salvaged it.
Turn an empty coffee can into a new light shade instead of buying the latest sale at the big box store.
Transform your ugly headboard or DIY a whole new one instead of purchasing.
DIY reupholstered headboard
salvaged IKEA chair
DIY coffee can lamp
3. Decorate naturally.
Not only is nature the best decorator, she provides it for free! Plants, flowers, branches, wood slices, driftwood, rocks, dried herbs, botanical prints, and reclaimed wood pieces all make for lovely decor and help keep us grounded and connected with the Earth. We feel less stressed and are reminded to breathe deeply and just enjoy being. Natural elements connect us with an innate sense of harmony and well-being.
DIY stick and yarn art - DIY click here
Hanging plant shelf DIY - click here
Tin can planters wrapped in natural materials - DIY click here
4. Reduce the toxins in your home.
Start slowly making the switch to all-natural cleaners, (keep viral-killers on hand for pandemic times - otherwise homemade solutions will do).
Make your bathroom eco-friendly and healthy a natural-fibre shower curtain instead of a plastic one that off-gasses. More ideas and sources for a healthy bathroom here.
Ditch vinyl and carpeting and choose a healthier floor option the next time you need to upgrade.
Embrace houseplants! Even if you have a blackthumb, the options on this list are easy-care and remove toxins from your home.
It’s time. If ever we’ve been shown that we need to do better in our world, it’s now. Let’s step up by taking these few small steps. Together.
