Pollution is everywhere and decoration is not immune to the pitfalls of consumer society, which likes to manufacture at a lower cost, even if it means using polluting materials. This is not inevitable: here is the guide to clean and eco-responsible decoration that respects a planet that is destined to become cleaner !
Eco-friendly decoration with Do It Yourself
First avenue to explore to get started with eco-friendly decor: the options of everything you can make yourself. With choices of recycled or natural materials, but which in any case will not generate any pollution for their manufacture. Many tutorials exist to learn how to make your own eco-friendly decor, from the smallest objects (like on www.18h39.fr ) to the largest equipment as explained on the low tech lab website. DIY is a fun way to furnish your home in an eco-friendly way by learning to tinker and which above all allows you to make custom-made products: shelves, frames, etc. No need to adapt to the standard format! Pallets transformed into coffee tables, poufs made from fabric scraps or even tree trunks as benches, everything is possible!
Nordic and Scandinavian decor: the Lagom style
The Nordic style, which is very fashionable, also guides us on the path of "clean decor". It highlights natural materials: wood, stone and the greening of spaces for a reminder of nature and a healthy home. The style is refined, minimalist and at the same time warm. The "Lagom" movement, which means "neither too much nor too little" in Swedish, also highlights "less but better": fewer objects, but more beautiful materials, more expensive pieces at the start, but valued, from the work of responsible craftsmen. Customized and updated family furniture that has a lower ecological impact and a longer lifespan. The idea is to get rid of gadget objects in favor of those that have a history, that are durable, and that bring emotion, and not pollution.
Organic and/or ecological paints
Glycero paints or "solvent-based paints" with oil, often diluted with white spirit, are those that smell very strong when drying and those that should be avoided. We prefer water-based or "acrylic" paints formulated without solvents, which have little or no smell, but still contain chemical components. All paints, even "eco-friendly" ones, contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), particularly because of the dyes, which can impact the environment but also health. However, natural formulas stamped "VOC-free" are much less harmful, because their VOC content is minimal, as are organic formulas that do not contain petrochemical ingredients. These are formulated with plant or mineral ingredients such as rapeseed, linseed or castor oils, lime, clay, chalk or marble powder to thicken them, and mineral pigments extracted from colored earths to obtain pretty colors. These paints, sometimes called bio-sourced, can also contain citrus or pine essences which have a stronger odor although they are 100% natural. Finally, some ecological paints have the " NF Environnement " symbol, the ecolabel with the European flower symbol, or the Ecocert Nature Paint label if 100% of the ingredients are natural. There is also a " Natureplus " label to certify ecological construction and development products.
Ethical and eco-designed furniture
Ecological issues are matched by ethical concerns and we must ask ourselves the right questions before buying: where was the furniture designed? By whom? Under what conditions? We quickly come to abandon the products of large groups to turn to eco-design: recycled materials, made in France , local artisans and life cycle, everything is studied to have the smallest impact on the environment. The ideal is to buy directly from the producer or manufacturer, and to carefully check the production methods. The objective is to promote responsible sectors in the sourcing of raw materials such as wood from eco-managed forests.
Eco-responsible decorators and brands
Finally, eco-friendly decorators guide you in choosing respectful materials and suppliers. A commitment that allows you to obtain the best in design and eco-friendly decor. They know the best of eco-friendly and responsible decor brands, but also committed ones, from Pure & Paint made in France or natural and bio-sourced Colibri paints, to designers of designer furniture such as Atelier Bud with total traceability, Alki and its cooperative system, Tiptoe and its modular furniture, Forêt Mobilier and its traditional techniques, Ekobo objects in natural fibers such as bamboo, ABC furniture and its eco-friendly beds made in France, the Gautier brand certified by the Forest Certification Recognition Program, Reine Mère and its eco-designed objects and furniture, Stooly and its reforestation program, Lago and its environmental impact calculation or Tikamoon and its sustainable furniture or finally Camif and its early commitment to local and sustainable in the home.
Decorating your home away from industrial products is therefore not only possible but very satisfying for yourself, for your family and for the environment.
