The way in which we style our living spaces can range from simple and functional to a full expression of personality.

Sustainable home decor emphasizes the use of materials that are environmentally friendly and sourced through ethical practices, reducing the ecological footprint of furnishing a home. It incorporates items made from recycled, upcycled, or renewable resources, en

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Where to buy sustainable home decor

Another option is to rent furniture. Companies like Fernish and Feather offer stylish, contemporary furniture for rent, complete with a rent-to-own option. This is an especially great option for people who move frequently. For more businesses, check out The Spruce’s list of best furniture rental companies.

Used home decor

• Local thrift shops, antique shops, and garage sales
• Facebook Marketplace
• Your local Buy Nothing or Freecycle group
• Check out Etsy’s reclaimed wood or used furniture.
• Kaiyo, a sustainability-focused online marketplace where you can buy and sell furniture
• Try Chairish for vintage furniture

Sustainable home decor brands

Jungalow

Made Trade

Uncommon Goods

Parachute

Novica

Ten Thousand Villages

Brightly

Etsy

Our Place

Minna

West Elm

Pottery Barn

Reuse

Donate to a thrift store or sell in a local marketplace or an online site like Poshmark.

Non-toxic candles

Go Green: Beeswax or soy-based candles

Most candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct. In addition, many scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes. As with any fragrance, the full list of ingredients do not have to be disclosed. All of these contribute to the potential to release harmful VOCs when lit, as well as when unlit.

A 2002 study found that soywax, much like beeswax candles, burned at a significantly lower rate and resulted in less soot than paraffin candles. Therefore soy and beeswax candles are a better choice.

For any candles, make sure they are lit in a well-ventilated (but not drafty) area. Trim the wick if it gets longer than 10 to 15 millimeters.

A large amount of the VOCs and particulate matter are released when extinguishing the flame, so instead of blowing out a candle, use a candle snuffer or dip the wick in wax.

Consider using alternatives to add aromas to your living space. Essential oil diffusers, simmering spices, or potpourri may be better options for clean air.

There are a million candle companies out there, so odds are you will be about to find candles that meet this criteria from a local candle maker. Or you can check out these recommendations from Sustainably Chic and Going Zero Waste.

How to recycle candles

Remove the wick and scrape out any extra wax, then recycle the empty glass jars or tins.

Lighting

Go Green: Use LED bulbs

Make sure lighting fixtures are fitted with LED bulbs, the most environmentally-friendly light bulbs available. They use 75-90% less energy and last up to 25-30 times longer than incandescent lighting, and five times longer than CFL. And unlike these, LEDs don’t contain any hazardous chemicals and are easily recycled.

Another energy saver is, of course, one of the first lessons we learn as kids: turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Find out where you can recycle light bulbs here.

Sustainable decorative textiles

Many textiles today are made with synthetic fibers, the majority of that being polyester. Other common synthetic fabrics include spandex, nylon, and acrylic. These materials are derived from fossil fuels, and their production uses more energy and produces more emissions than the processing of natural fibers. In addition, many chemicals are used in the process, some toxic.

Synthetic fabrics contain plastics and are therefore not biodegradable, taking up to 200 years to decompose, all while leaching chemicals into the soil and water. They also significantly contribute to the world’s microplastic problem: it is estimated that synthetic fabrics are responsible for up to 35% of microplastics in the ocean and 71% of microplastics in rivers. In your own home, 33% of the dust floating around is composed of microplastics from textiles. Read more about plastic pollution here.

Instead of synthetic fabrics, choose sustainably grown natural materials, such as cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, wool, silk, cashmere, or Tencel (aka Lyocell and Modal). There are also products made with recycled natural materials.

Avoid performance fabrics, which are materials that are advertised to have certain properties such as antimicrobial, anti-stain, non-wrinkle, or waterproof. Steer clear of fabric coated with flame retardants as well. Many of the chemicals used to achieve these characteristics can be harmful to your health and/or the environment.

Learn more about what to look for in choosing sustainable textiles here.

Decorative Pillows

• Target – shop with OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and Greenguard certification filters
• West Elm Sustainably-Sourced Pillows
• Pottery Barn – shop with organic, certififed nontoxic, sustainably sourced, Fair Trade filters
• Minna – ethically handwoven throw pillows, Certified B Corp