Sustainable decoration is a phrase that may be lost on some of us, but being environmentally conscious and eco-friendly should always include our immediate surroundings — our home. It’s easy to think that going eco-friendly at home means sacrificing your preferred decor style, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Whether you’re moving soon or staying put, the planet will thank you. An eco-friendly home means you’ll be supporting sustainable businesses with good intentions, improving you and your family’s health, and boosting your mental and physical health. 1. Use Natural Wallpaper and Eco Murals Eco-murals are just one of many alternative options when it comes to wall decor. These items are printed using non-toxic, water-based latex. This means you’ll be breathing in better air. Companies that create these items aim towards increasing sustainable forestry. Fewer chemicals and less destruction of our natural greenery and wildlife means a happier earth. 2. Indulge in Vintage Goods Vintage items will never go out of style. Plus, they allow you to do the bare minimum when it comes to going eco-friendly — recycle. Typically, you can get vintage items for a low cost, too. If you are one of those who prefer the distressed vintage look, you also have the option to peruse the internet on sites like Ebay and others to find what you like. 3. Add Houseplants to Your Home House plants fight against pollutants and chemicals that linger as a result of other items in your home. Furthermore, they’re an inexpensive way to increase the level of oxygen in your space. 4. Repurpose Items from Your Home Some of us are more DIY-inclined than others, but all of us feel a sense of pride when we create new items that we can actually use. Keep this in mind as you rummage through old stuff to give them new functions. Repurposing means less trash and more imagination. Of course, the web is littered with ways you can recreate and redecorate various items lying around your home. This practice further adds personality to your space. 5. Go with Wood for Shelving Wooden decor is as timeless as it is beautiful. Using reclaimed wood to decorate your home is also one of the easiest ways to be sustainable. There are a number of means to reuse wood. 6. Embrace Natural Fibers There’s a growing appreciation for natural fibers as people become more conscious. Linen, sisal, raffia, cotton, bamboo, wool, and wicker are all great options for chairs, tables, beds, and other furniture pieces. Natural fiber items aren’t just gorgeous, they also tend to be more durable and give better airflow. Furthermore, the production of these is much less detrimental to our planet. 7. Use Low Consumption Bulbs and Solar Panels A long-touted way to be eco-friendly is by considering lighting carefully. Not only are low-energy bulbs cheaper, but they’re more sustainable and often less harmful to your eyesight. Additionally, some Canadian companies push forth the use of solar panels while building new homes. One such company makes sure to include six solar panels in every home they build from 2019. 8. Use Non-Toxic Paint These days, there’s no excuse for using chemical-ridden, synthetic paints. There are tons of eco-friendly options out there that come in an extensive variety of colors. The old way would see you breathing in volatile organic compounds, or “VOCs,” which pose a risk to the environment as well as your family. These reportedly increase allergens, so it’s best to avoid them. Final Thoughts There are other ways to be eco-friendly when you’re working on decorating your home. You could donate, and help others practice repurposing and sustainability as well. As much as you can, you should lose the plastic that’s in your home. Alternatives include glass and paper bags. Whatever you do, remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle. More and more, environmental-friendliness when it comes to home decor is turning into a viable option from every angle. If you’re moving, make sure to keep your eco-friendly options in mind as you stay ahead of the curve.
8 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Depending on where you are in life, moving can be exciting and life-changing. It’s always scary, but you’re still looking forward to what’s on the other side. One survey reports that Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are the three fastest-growing provinces in the country. The urban agglomeration of Calgary is the fastest-growing of its kind. So most of our population is happy to move. If you’re not in that category, you’re probably like many other people who see moving as a hassle, a big expense, and a time sucker. We can help you avoid most of the stress of moving. However, there are still some mistakes you should be on the lookout for: 1. Not making enough time to pack If you’re a last-minute packer when it comes to traveling, chances are you may put off packing to move, too. There’s a full guarantee you’ll end up regretting it. Humans tend to believe they can get more done in less time. What we like to forget is that distractions are often welcomed during unappealing tasks — like packing. Additionally, delicate items will take longer to pack than others, sometimes a whole day longer. Avoid by: Give yourself a realistic timeline to figure out what rooms you’ll pack on which days. A one-bedroom home takes as much as two days to pack, a two-bedroom takes two days, and so on. 2. Making too much time to pack Who isn’t guilty of packing items, only to find that you have to take them out right away. Not to lower your excitement, but know that you’ll give yourself double the workload when you start packing too far in advance. Plus, you’ll have boxes all over, and who wants that? Avoid by: Use the prescribed timeline above. Control your anticipation to move. Before you know it you’ll be settled into your new home so don’t rush. 3. Trying to do it all by yourself It’s one thing to pack boxes, and it’s another to load them into a moving truck or whatever vehicle you use to relocate. Your health, expenses, and not to mention the very items you hold dear could take a blow if you try a DIY move. Think about fuel costs and potentially dropping your goods. Of course it’s not planned, but things tend to happen when you try to carry items you possibly never have before. Also, is your back really up to the task? Avoid by: Research and hire professional movers to make sure you avoid health and safety risks. In the end, you could save more money. Additionally, you won’t end up going straight to bed to rest instead of enjoying your new home. 4. Not making a checklist If you want to feel good about your move, make sure you go about it in an organized fashion. That means making to-dos for all crucial tasks. It keeps you focused and manages your time. Avoid by: Prepare a checklist (and stick to it). This gives you a sense of accomplishment every time you cross something off. That feeling is a huge stress-reliever in any situation — but especially when moving. 5. Not taking inventory Another essential moving tip to stay organized is to take inventory. The last thing you want is to have to rummage through boxes after you’re in your new home. You already have to unpack for each room. Avoid by: While packing, prepare a list of the items in each box. Give each box a number and label which room they go in. When the movers come in, cross off the boxes on your list. Do the same when they’re unpacking. 6. Not packing an essentials bag If you pack without thinking about the first few days in your new home, you’re asking for a headache. While it’s wise to take inventory, you still won’t be fully prepared if something happens. Avoid by: You’re going to want to use a duffel bag or suitcase to separate those items that you use daily as well as stuff you might need for an emergency. Things like toiletries, chargers, documents, medications. 7. Continuing to hoard You don’t have to be a diagnosed hoarder to feel the effects of it on moving day. If you’ve been collecting junk, it’s going to take longer to move, and could cost you more labor or fuel. Avoid by: Packing is a great time to declutter, donate, and recycle items you no longer need. A lot of things can be completely thrown away, too. The liberation you’ll get is all part of the moving journey. 8. Not getting the right insurance You don’t want to suffer unnecessary loss both in money and with your possessions. While finding a reputable company is a must — and using bubble wrap crucial — unpredicted events can and do happen. Your moving company will likely have insurance — but up to a point. Chances are, you won’t get back the amount that you think your items are worth. Avoid by: Ask your moving company about their insurance. In addition, look into the best liability coverage for your personal needs. Finally, do research about who pays if a mover gets injured while on the job. The best way to make moving easier is to plan ahead and be aware of what could happen. Don’t burden yourself any more than you have to. And, most of all, expect the unexpected.