The Power of Eco-Conscious Design: Key Design Elements for Positive Environmental Impact

Lifestyles that prioritize the environment are becoming more popular and have become a priority for many. Of the more than 17,000 households surveyed across nine countries, two-thirds (65%) indicate that they are willing to make personal compromises to their lifestyles for the benefit of the environment, highlights the OECD’s survey on Environmental Policies and Individual Behaviour Change (EPIC).

While many who wish to make a change may resolve to cut down on plastic use, there are several ways to foster an eco-conscious lifestyle right from home. When it comes to efficient home design, there are many concepts to invest in—from the value of repurposed furniture to creative kitchen composting solutions.

Furniture choice matters

Furniture is a key element to any living space throughout the home and can significantly impact the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that Americans threw out over 12 million tons of furniture and furnishings in 2018 — 80% ended up in landfills. The carbon emissions created by manufacturing and shipping only add fuel to the fire and demonstrate the significant impact that furniture can have.

Upcycled furniture is just one great way to incorporate sustainability into your home’s design, and it doesn’t have to be a significant challenge, either. Often, a coat of paint or wood stain and a change of fixtures can transform a piece of old furniture. 

For those who wish to invest in new furniture, it’s crucial to minimize the environmental impact as much as possible. One ideal way to achieve this is by considering furniture materials—those that are manufactured sustainably, for instance, can be a great place to start. Cotton, linen, and hemp are all eco-friendly choices for fabrics, while other factors—such as style and color—can further determine how long a piece will last.

For example, a sofa bed with neutral colors and a timeless style can contribute to a home design that effortlessly evolves without replacing the piece. Custom furniture solutions are essential to those who wish to personalize their furniture fully and can cut down on the time spent searching for the perfect in-store option. From size to color and style, custom options are a great way to build a sofa you will keep for years. 

The ultimate zero-waste kitchen

Food waste has long been a significant problem. The EPA estimates that in 2019 alone, about 96% of households’ wasted food ended up in landfills, combustion facilities, or down the drain (and into the sewer system). To add insult to injury, most food comes packaged in plastic, a significant pollution concern.

As such, the kitchen is a great place to focus on eco-conscious design, and there are several ways in which zero-waste concepts can be successfully integrated. For example, a home prioritizing zero-waste practices can significantly benefit from a seamlessly integrated compost bin. Not only will this minimize food waste, but it will also eliminate the need for an awkward container or bin that sits on top of the counter and easily integrate zero-waste principles into the design. 

Other elements of a zero-waste kitchen can include the installation of eco-friendly cookware (such as bamboo utensils), cloth towels instead of napkins, and refillable containers to hold essentials — like coffee and sugar. Integrating zero-waste practices, such as repurposed waste, can further the eco-friendly nature of the kitchen. For example, crushed eggshells can benefit plant growth, banana peels can be used as fertilizer, and leftover bones and veggie ends can be repurposed for a natural broth. 

In addition to a creatively hidden compost bin that blends into the rest of the kitchen, a designated space for an herb garden can further the notion of a zero-waste lifestyle. The Spruce highlights creative solutions involving an upcycled cabinet from a thrift store or antique shop, which can be transformed into a functional greenhouse.

The greenhouse can house several kitchen-useful plants after a fresh coat of paint, lighting, and shelves. Oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, and hot peppers are worthy contenders. With an expansive indoor greenhouse, you can extend the harvest to friends, family, and neighbors.

Greenery as a central concept

Greenery can be integral to anyone who wishes to integrate eco-friendly elements into their home and can play a heavy role in biophilic design concepts. One BBC article highlights PhD research by environmental consultant Curtis Gubb, which found that plants can remove “significant amounts” of CO2 in a room.

However, it’s important to note that how much depends on the type of plant, how many are present, and other factors, such as how light the room is and how much water is in the soil. Gubb explains that the amount of water the plant is watered “affects its ability to function and remove CO2,” similar to how someone dehydrated may not function as well as they would when hydrated. 

Several design styles exist when the goal is to incorporate abundant greenery throughout the home. Creating a living wall indoors is a great way to add a unique aesthetic appeal to the house, regardless of which room it’s in.

The Spruce highlights several ideas, such as a home office living wall that can boost productivity, framed living wall art, or even a kitchen plant wall. To add a zero-waste element to houseplants, recycled containers, upcycled pots, and clever repurposed items (such as old wire baskets) can all present as creative and eco-friendly options. 

Those searching for eco-friendly design solutions have a variety of options, especially when the goal is to integrate more zero-waste concepts into the home. From repurposed furniture to the value that greenery can bring to a space, creating a home that puts the environment first doesn’t have to feel like an impossible feat.