The recent series of natural catastrophes around the globe proves that the ticking after-effects of global warming are real.  We as a homeowner can contribute and have a tremendous impact on the sustainability of the environment because we are the ones deciding which materials and products will be used, and how ecologically we will interact with our surrounding spaces.  With few preventions and conscious living, a zero-waste lifestyle and reversing global warming are still a possibility.

1.  Refuse Cheap Material – The fusion between interior design and nature was the key design concept used by our ancestors.  Thus, every householder chose to use natural materials to build the exteriors and interiors of the house.  All timber formwork used in the construction was properly recycled and transformed into furniture or flooring.  They knew that the secret to a healthy lifestyle was to live amidst natural elements.  By refusing to use cheap synthetic material that cannot be easily degenerated or recycled, will have the lowest impact on the environment and thereby our wellbeing.

2.  Reduce Indoor Air Pollution & Consumption of Energy – Indoor air pollution is a threat as per the new research.  This is the result of products and materials with high levels of toxic emissions.  For example, furniture or equipment that has been treated with harmful chemicals releases dangerous toxins in the air.  To improve indoor air quality, it’s important that the air in a room can regularly circulate and remain fresh.  Plants act as natural air filters.  Designs that maximise the usage of natural light and include energy-saving devices reduce the consumption of electricity.

3.  Replace with Organic Material – From a sustainability perspective, it’s very important to replace non-biodegradable materials and products with natural materials that have the lowest environmental impact.  Organic materials, e.g. wood, cotton, natural stone seem the obvious choice, but we should not forget that natural resources need to be treated responsibly.  Choose materials that are quickly renewable and are extracted in an environmentally responsible way.  A good designer will give you credible information about the products’ origin and help you identify eco-friendly products.
 

4.  Reconsider Longevity – To prevent materials and products from getting discarded too often, homeowners should reconsider the lifespan of any material they plan to use, especially for those elements that experience a lot of wear and tear.  The goal of designing for longevity is to design durable and timeless spaces and suppress the urge to change the whole design every couple of years.  The best way to achieve timelessness is to choose quality over quantity, classics over trendy, and simplicity/functionality over embellishments.

5.  Recover Renewable Material – Another way in which interior designers can help you reduce the depletion of natural resources and divert waste from landfills is by opting for synthetic materials that were made from recycled waste or can be renewed/recycled at the end of their life cycle.  With this approach, waste becomes raw material for new products and a circular loop of manufacturing is formed, effectively minimizing or even eliminating waste.

6.  Redesigning Old Objects – Recycling and reusing while designing the house is extremely important, especially when considering the amounts of waste and energy consumption involved in the processes related to the furnishing work. Creating furnishing elements by redesigning the role of old objects or materials represents an objective approach to upcycling as a path towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

7.  Reuse Material – Fortunately, the world of design is becoming increasingly aware of the need for sustainable thinking and is experiencing a growing interest in sustainable trends, such as recycling, upcycling and repurposing.  Instead of discarding "old-fashioned" objects while they are still functional, designers can come up with creative ways to give them a new life.  

Hope this blog helps us all to reconnect our relation with Mother Earth and reverse the harmful effects of global warming.  

We would be interested to know your contribution towards a sustainable lifestyle, in the comments down below.