From earth pigment paints and eco-friendly wallpaper to using natural materials and breathing new life into old pieces, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make your home a greener space
1 LIGHT-BULB MOMENT
A quick and easy way to make your home more sustainable is to replace old light bulbs with LEDs. ‘LEDs are nothing short of a revolution in lighting technology. In just the past few years, they have evolved aesthetically into elegant versions of their well-intentioned but rather clunky predecessors. They are the clear choice for sustainability, utilising approximately ten times less energy than traditional bulbs and boasting a lifespan more than ten times longer,’ says David Lam, founder at Lam Lighting. Featured is its Giselle pendant, from £128, with an exposed, dimmable Pear LED bulb, £15.
2 Made by hand
BELOW Support small businesses and reduce air miles by buying homeware from independent shops, local artisans and craft fairs. Shopping in this way lets you understand exactly what goes into the pieces you own and you can enjoy their unique, handmade qualities, which can't be replicated in mass-produced products. The items are often created using more sustainable methods, too – which is more challenging in commercial climates. For example, the pottery created by Cornish based Laura Lane Ceramics is made from ethically sourced local St Agnes clay, and fired in kilns fuelled by renewable energy.
3 PANDA FOOD BELOW
Anyone who has grown bamboo in their garden will know how quickly it spreads. Bamboo self-regenerates and so can be harvested every year, making it a highly sustainable material. Furthermore, it is very versatile: whether transformed into a durable fabric, flooring boards, or furniture, the potential is endless. Here, it has been used to create Hillary's Natural Bamboo blinds in Glacier, priced from £109. Do bear in mind, however, that bamboo absorbs water, so it is not a good fit for bathroom blinds or flooring.
4 Creative flourish
ABOVE Whether you pick up the paintbrush yourself or search secondhand sites for ready-made pieces, upcycled furniture will add colour and character to your home and saves perfectly good items from going into landfill. Upcycling pieces yourself is also a highly affordable way to decorate your home. Older items of furniture – particularly solid, dark wood pieces, which are out of style at present – are generally very well made, so will last a lifetime. Plus, you can simply repaint them when you desire a new look. This sideboard has been painted in Annie Sloan’s new Paprika Red, and the smaller unit in its Coolabah Green, both from £7.95 for 120ml of Chalk Paint – the perfect finish for those trying upcycling for the first time. ‘With chalk paint, there is no need to sand or prep, just give the p
