Autumn is just around the corner, and there's nothing more exciting than setting up your home to make it a comforting and cozy retreat for those chilly afternoons. This year, enhance your fall preparations by choosing sustainable products for an eco-friendly home. By doing so, you not only create a warm and inviting atmosphere but also address an often overlooked issue: indoor pollution.
Table of Contents
Embracing a Sustainable Autumn
Is Indoor Pollution Even a Thing?
You might be surprised to learn that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighting the significant impact that everyday household items can have on our indoor environment.
Since autumn is a season for cleansing and renewal, as we prepare for the colder months ahead, it's an ideal time to refresh your home environment. Opting for non-plastic and non-polyester home decor is vital for a healthier living space and a greener planet. These materials can release harmful chemicals and microplastics, affecting indoor air quality and contributing to pollution. Natural alternatives like organic cotton, bamboo, and reclaimed wood are not only eco-friendly but also add a warm, inviting touch to your home. By choosing sustainable decor, you create a safer, more comfortable environment while reducing your carbon footprint.
Cozy Up Your Space: Sustainable Fall Decor Ideas
Wool Throws and Blankets
Cozy Up with Wool Comfort
One of the easiest ways to transition your home for fall is by adding cozy throws and blankets. This season, opt for pure alpaca wool options. They're not only incredibly soft and warm, but they're also free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Wool, especially alpaca wool, is a fantastic choice for several reasons. It is a natural, renewable fiber that provides excellent insulation, helping to keep your home warm while reducing reliance on artificial heating. Alpaca wool is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Unlike many synthetic materials, wool is biodegradable and can be sustainably sourced, contributing to a lower environmental footprint.
At El Green Mall, we have incredibly soft and warm blankets from Qumpi. Made in Peru from the softest local alpaca wool, these blankets are colored with vibrant, natural dyes. Qumpi brings Peru’s rich cultural heritage into your home, offering luxurious, eco-friendly comfort. Wrap yourself in the Threads of Time and enjoy the ultimate in quality and tradition.
Check out these cuties! These blankets will surely add a touch of elegance to your space and are perfect for snuggling up with a good book or movie.
- Light Blanket - Sustainable Alpaca Wool
- Blocks Blanket - Sustainable Alpaca Wool
- Texture Blanket - Sustainable Alpaca Wool
Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Timeless Pieces with a Story
Reclaimed wood furniture is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. By repurposing wood from old structures, you reduce the demand for new timber and help preserve forests.
One of my favorite pieces is a reclaimed wood coffee table I found at a local flea market. Each scratch and dent tells a story, adding character to my home. Plus, it's always a great conversation starter when guests come over.
Another great piece to consider is a cutting board made from reclaimed wood. Not only are wooden cutting boards gentle on knives, but they're also naturally antimicrobial, helping to reduce bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Additionally, unlike plastic boards, they don't shed microplastics into food, making them a healthier and more eco-friendly choice. This makes them a healthier choice compared to plastic alternatives.
As autumn is a time for refreshing old things with new, sustainable options, integrating reclaimed wood into your kitchen and home decor is both stylish and eco-friendly.
Integrating Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood can be used in various types of furniture, from dining tables to bookshelves. The key is to balance these rustic pieces with modern elements to create a cohesive look. Look for local artisans or sustainable furniture stores that specialize in reclaimed wood. Remember, finding someone who can help you restore that valuable piece of wood is an opportunity to create more connections within your community.
Cotton Fiber Rugs
Earthy Elegance Underfoot
Natural fiber rugs made from materials like cotton, jute, and wool are excellent choices for an eco-friendly home. They are biodegradable, durable, and add a warm, earthy feel to any room.
Last fall, I replaced my synthetic living room rug with a beautiful cotton rug. The difference was immediate. The room felt cozier and more inviting. Plus, I noticed a significant improvement in indoor air quality.
Cotton Play Rugs: Perfect for the Little Ones
Don't let your baby eat microplastics! Get a natural material play rug and don't worry about your baby licking and tasting the mat. Babies love to put everything in their mouths, so make it safer for your little ones with one of these 100% cotton rug mats.
These mats are also hand-woven and hand screen printed. The most handcrafted you can get:
- Explorer's Play Rug - Organic Cotton
- Little Explorer's Play Rug - Organic Cotton
- Adventure Rug - Organic Cotton
- Swan Rug - Organic Cotton
Eco-Friendly Paints
A Fresh Coat Without the Toxins
Painting is an easy way to refresh your home for the new season, but many conventional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to your health.
Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while long-term exposure can lead to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage, and even cancer. VOCs are found in many household products, contributing to poor indoor air quality.
Eco-friendly paints, on the other hand, have low or no VOCs, making them a healthier choice for your home.
Little Greene, an independent UK paint manufacturer have been committed to offering non-toxic and eco-friendly paints & wallpapers, offering an extensive range of water-based paint finishes.
Selecting the Perfect Shade
Warm, earthy tones are perfect for creating a cozy autumn atmosphere. Think deep greens, rich browns, and soft neutrals. Don't be afraid to experiment with accent walls to add a pop of color without overwhelming the space.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Light Up the Season Sustainably
As the days get shorter, lighting becomes even more important. Switching to energy-efficient lighting options like LED bulbs can significantly reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Creating a Cozy Ambiance
Warm lighting is key to creating a cozy atmosphere in your home. Consider using dimmable LED bulbs to adjust the brightness according to your mood. Layer your lighting with a mix of overhead fixtures, floor lamps, and table lamps to create depth and warmth.
Guess what? We have the most stunning wooden lamps to really spark your home this fall. Check these Unahi plywood lamps by Ulap Design! They are already assembled, just plug them in!
- Unahi 2.2 - Table Lamp
- Unahi 2.0 - Pendant Lamp
- Unahi 2.1 - Wall or Ceiling Lamp
- Unahi 3.0 - Pendant Lamp
Second Hand or Recycled Glassware
Stylish and Sustainable Sips
Recycled glassware is a fantastic addition to any eco-friendly home. Made from repurposed glass, these products reduce waste and energy consumption compared to new glass production.
I recently switched to using recycled glass tumblers and wine glasses. They have a unique, artisanal look that I love, and my kitchen doesn't look like everyone else's.
Selecting Second Hand or Recycled Glassware
Glassware is one of the easiest pieces to find in a second hand shop. But if you are looking for artisanal recycled glassware, search for those that clearly state it's made from recycled materials. Many sustainable home goods stores offer a variety of options, from everyday drinking glasses to decorative vases. Handwashing these items can help prolong their life and keep them looking their best.
Bed Linen
A Plastic-Free Sleep
Organic percale cotton is a fantastic sustainable material for bedding. Durable, breathable, and gets softer with every wash. It's also naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for a comfy, cool night's sleep.
We offer bed linen sets inspired in Mediterranean nature, created by an independent Spanish brand. Not only their designs are stunning and will transform your bedroom into a holiday paradise, they are made from 100% oeko-tex certified materials. These bed linen sets are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe and healthy sleep environment.
The soft, breathable bed sheets will transform your bedroom into a serene oasis. Embrace sustainability without compromising on style and comfort. Quality fabric, and designs with soul.
Non-toxic Candles
Don’t Light Up Chemicals In Your Home
Regular candles, especially those made from paraffin wax, can release harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene into the air when burned. These toxins can contribute to indoor air pollution and cause respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems. Additionally, many conventional candles contain artificial fragrances and dyes, which can further compromise air quality.
Why Beeswax Candles Are a Better Option
Beeswax candles, like the All-Natural Beelight Beeswax Candles offered on El Green Mall, are a healthier and more sustainable alternative. Beeswax burns cleanly and emits negative ions that help purify the air by neutralizing pollutants. These candles are also free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making them a safer choice for your home. Plus, they burn longer and produce a warm, natural glow, adding a cozy ambiance to any room.
Solar-Powered Gadgets
Harness the Sun's Power
Solar-powered gadgets are a smart way to reduce your home's energy consumption. From chargers to outdoor lights, these devices use renewable energy, making them both practical and eco-friendly.
Last summer, I installed solar-powered garden lights on my balcony. They charge during the day and provide a beautiful glow at night, perfect for those early autumn evenings spent outside.
Smart Solar Choices
When choosing solar-powered gadgets, consider their energy efficiency and durability. Look for products with good reviews and reliable warranties. Integrating these devices into your daily routine can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Indoor Plants
Bringing Nature Indoors
Indoor plants are a wonderful way to enhance your home's air quality and aesthetic appeal. They bring a touch of nature indoors, creating a serene and relaxing environment.
My favorites for this fall are spider plants and peace lilies. They thrive indoors and help purify the air, making my home feel fresher and more vibrant.
Transitioning your home for fall with eco-friendly products not only creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere but also contributes to a healthier planet, and to your health. Start with one or two items from this list and gradually incorporate more sustainable options. Remember, every small step counts. By choosing eco-friendly products, you’re making a positive impact on the environment and creating a home that’s truly a sanctuary. Enjoy the beauty and comfort of an eco-friendly autumn!
Transitioning your home for fall with eco-friendly products not only creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere but also contributes to a healthier planet, and to your health. Start with one or two items from this list and gradually incorporate more sustainable options. Remember, every small step counts. By choosing eco-friendly products, you’re making a positive impact on the environment and creating a home that’s truly a sanctuary. Enjoy the beauty and comfort of an eco-friendly autumn!
