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Greening Your home Without Going Full Greta: A Sustainable Decor Guide for Hot Messes Like Me

Writer's picture: MATTHEW LEWMATTHEW LEW

Listen up, fellow design divas and dudes. Remember that nagging voice in your head telling you your throw pillow collection rivals Marie Kondo's sock drawer? Yeah, the one whispering, "Maybe less leopard print, more eco-warrior chic?" Turns out, that voice ain't just judging your questionable taste (although, honey, let's talk about that zebra rug…). It's actually the booming sound of the sustainable home decor movement, and it's here to stay.


But before you picture yourself weaving hemp tapestries in a yurt (no shade to yurt life, but, yikes, my hair!), let's ditch the granola and get real. Sustainable decor doesn't have to be about sacrificing style or drowning in hemp-scented guilt. It's about smart choices, like giving pre-loved furniture a second chance or rocking those upcycled banana peels as the next big statement lamp (okay, maybe not that last one… yet).

Think of it like a fabulous new accessory for your home: the "I care about the planet, but I still love a good throw pillow (especially if it's leopard print)" badge. 


Now, let's strut into this sustainable swag with some killer tips:


  1. Channel your inner eco-magician: Transform waste into wow-zas! Food scraps, old clothes, even that pile of mismatched socks – they're not trash, they're crafting gold! Get creative with DIY projects or rock brands that use recycled materials. Think "avocado pit vase" instead of "landfill landfill landfill."

  2. Give pre-loved treasures a second act: Vintage finds and secondhand gems are more than just bargain bin steals, they're planet-saving superheroes. Ditch the mass-produced stuff and score unique pieces with soul (and bonus points if you find a leopard print armchair… just sayin').

  3. Support the good guys: Choose brands that walk the sustainability walk, not just talk the talk. Look for local artisans, companies using eco-friendly materials, and those with transparent production practices. Bonus points if they also donate to panda sanctuaries (because, let's be real, who doesn't love pandas?).

  4. Think circular, not linear: Don't let your decor become yesterday's landfill fodder. Look for brands with take-back programs or platforms for reselling and swapping. Your tired throw pillow might be someone else's statement piece (except, again, maybe the banana one… let's just retire that one gracefully).


Remember, sustainable decor isn't about perfection, it's about progress. So go forth, my fabulous friends, and green your cribs with gusto! Just promise me you'll ditch the banana lamp… unless it's really fabulous. Then maybe we can talk.

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© 2024 by Matthew Lew

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