Are you in the process of remodeling your home? Are you thinking about swapping out some of your current home goods for new models?

If so, read on to learn why switching to eco-friendly home goods is a great choice.

What Does It Mean to Be Eco-Friendly?

Eco-friendliness is all about not doing harm to the environment and, when possible, supporting it. Eco-friendly products encourage green living and are typically made using environmentally safe manufacturing methods that reduce pollution and waste.

 

It’s much easier than it once was to find eco-friendly products online and in stores. They’re not always labeled as such, though.

 

Some other terms you might come across when shopping for eco-friendly home goods include:

 

• Sustainable
• Ethically made or ethically sourced
• Organic
• Non-toxic
• Made from recycled materials

 

Buying products that feature these terms can help you to feel confident that you’re investing in home goods that are actually good for your home and your family. Be on the lookout for them when you’re perusing the aisles or shopping online to ensure you’re investing in safe, clean, and healthy products.

Why Does Eco-Friendliness Matter?

Some people assume that labels like “eco-friendly” or “organic” or “non-toxic” are mere marketing tactics used to trick consumers into spending more money. That’s definitely not the case, though.

 

There are lots of benefits that come with switching to eco-friendly products during a home remodel, including the following:

Lower Costs Over Time

Some people balk at the price of eco-friendly products because they often cost more upfront than their counterparts.

 

However, they typically last longer than these other products. This means you’ll spend less money over time because you’re investing in higher-quality home goods. 

Reduced Energy Usage

Eco-friendly home goods are often made with more environmentally friendly practices than other types of home goods. There are fewer carbon emissions associated with the manufacturing of these products and their delivery since they often don’t have to travel as far as mass-produced items to get to you.

Reduced Air Pollution

Some home goods contain chemicals like VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can pollute the air in your home. If you don’t want to worry about breathing in these kinds of chemicals all day every day, it’s better to invest in eco-friendly alternatives whenever you can. 

Better Health

Exposure to chemicals like VOCs can harm your health now and in the future.

 

In the short term, you may experience headaches and nose or throat irritation by breathing in toxic compounds. In the long term, you may also be increasing your risk of developing certain chronic health conditions, such as respiratory illness and certain types of cancer.

The Best Eco-Friendly Home Goods

There are lots of items that fall under the umbrella of eco-friendly home goods. If you’re feeling unsure of where to start, look for products made from the following materials:

 

• Wood: Wood home goods and decor are natural, renewable, and recyclable; they’re durable and last a long time, too.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is widely available, renewable, and is stronger than many wood products, so it can last even longer.
• Grasses:Seagrass, Sabai grass, Kauna grass, and other types of grasses help to improve air quality and remove pollutants.
• Coconut Fiber: Coconut fiber or coconut coir is an organic compound that improves air quality and is biodegradable
• Plant Fiber: Many plant fibers are strong, renewable, and can be used to create a wide range of products
• Glass: Glass products are recyclable, brighten your home, and give it a modern, luxurious feel
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is clean, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable
• Brass: Brass has antioxidant properties and is a highly durable material for home goods
• 100% Cotton: Cotton is a renewable resource that is also strong and abrasion-resistant
• 100% Wool: Wool is a hardy, hypoallergenic, flame-retardant, and mildew-resistant material that’s perfect for blankets, pillowcases, and other home goods
• Leather: Leather is stylish, aromatic, and durable; it’s also eco-friendly because it is 100% natural and isn’t made using synthetics or chemicals

Why Does Buying Handmade Matter?

It’s great to shop for eco-friendly products. However, it’s even better if you can buy handmade eco-friendly products. The following are some of the top benefits of buying handmade products whenever you can:

 

• Support small, local businesses: Often, it’s small, local businesses that are producing and selling handmade goods, so buying these products gives you a chance to support a company that might be struggling.
• Preserve hand making skills: The practice of making goods by hand isn’t as prevalent as it once was; if you want to encourage creators to continue making these products, you need to buy them whenever you can.
• Support sustainable crafting practices: Hand-made goods are almost always made in more eco-friendly ways than those that are mass-produced; there’s less waste and fewer carbon emissions, and they last typically longer, so you won’t be contributing to landfills as frequently.

 

Hand-made products always come with a story, too. If you want to include unique, conversation-starting pieces in your home’s new design, going with hand-made products is a great choice.

Which Items Should You Replace First During a Remodel?

Some people want to switch to eco-friendly home goods but also feel overwhelmed with all the different products on the market.

 

If this is the case for you, start by swapping out some of the most problematic products in your home first. This list might include the following:

 

• Plastic products, which are not sustainable and can contain harmful chemicals like BPA
• Furniture that contains toxic materials like formaldehyde or vinyl acetate
• Nonstick cookware, which often contains synthetic chemicals known as PFAS

 

Now that you know more about the benefits of switching to eco-friendly home goods, are you ready to make the change?

 

Keep the sustainable, ethically-made, and eco-friendly products listed above in mind as you start searching for replacements, and don’t forget to include handmade goods whenever you can. Get ready to make your home greener, happier, and healthier!