Yours Sustainably…
Sustainability.
Environmental impact.
Carbon footprint.
B Corp.
When I was growing up and well into my adult years, none of these phrases were used.
Contrast this to their huge importance and significance today and, like all my generation I hope, I can’t help but feel a little ashamed for our ignorance back then.
Today I endeavour to do my bit for the environment by re-cycling, using refill stores, buying for the long-term and buying products from suppliers who offer recyclable product options and who have environmental practices established and in place - not just well marketed intents.
I transfer this personal ethos into my interior design business - who wouldn’t when I am lucky enough to live in an area of such astounding natural beauty and clean air.
It can’t be helped that any interior design project will create an adverse effect on the environment, but I try to encourage my clients to limit it by always having sustainability in mind.
Here are the two environmental foundations I encourage my clients to consider:
1: Go for a classic design you can live with for a long time and, when you can bear it no longer, ensure it can be recycled.
Fashionable designs typically have high carbon footprints. By the very nature of being fashionable means that at some time in the not too distant future they will no longer be on-trend and you will be looking to replace your entire room design. I should be saying great! Hopefully you would reach out to me again to design your next interior. However, in reality it makes me incredibly sad to see people chasing the “colour of the year” schemes and the latest styles in the glossy home design magazines. When it reaches the time that it’s not fashionable for you anymore, then it is unlikely to be fashionable for anyone else and could end up in landfill (which globally is reported to account for 11% of methane emissions).
When thinking of style, try to think vintage Chanel or Christian Dior - those dresses from decades ago that have a timeless sophistication and are as relevant and appropriate to wear today.
I will always encourage you to opt for enduring colour schemes and classic, timeless patterns that you won’t get fed up with. Furthermore I only recommend using natural paints that “don’t cost the earth” such as Little Greene’s and materials that are bio-degradable such as Romo’s Kirkby Design range of sustainable and recyclable materials.
2: Buy locally sourced, quality products from companies who have sustainability credentials.
As tempting as it is to buy that £5 interior design bargain from the High Street, there is every likelihood that it has travelled 1000’s of miles from the other side of the world and has been made in conditions that we can’t even imagine. Not only that, you will probably see it as an impulse-buy later that was a mistake and end up throwing it away. I always check labels to see where items have been manufactured and from what. More retailers are listing countries of origin, but it’s easy to miss unless you make it your new “thing”, and please do ensure you know the difference between Made in Britain and Designed in Britain.
I should say here that distance travelled should always be offset against quality and longevity. For example - using granite that has been imported from eastern Europe or beyond may be more environmentally friendly than using UK made laminate. Granite will last a lifetime, whereas laminate will need replacing numerous times over the same length of time. What is good is that there is now a market of reclaimed stone worktops - so be sure to check out any local reclamation yards.
I ensure any recommended wood products are sourced from FSC accredited suppliers; that fibres are natural rather than synthetic in accessories such as cushions and pillows; materials are natural and fit for the context and increasingly I look out for a choice of products that are already enjoying their second life such as these blankets from The British Blanket Company, made from 100% re-cycled remnant yarns saved from the UK spinning industry and those fabulously talented individuals who breathe new life into well-used furniture such as George at West Yorkshire’s Gracie’s Attic.
Put simply - classic over fashionable, solid over flimsy, local over far away, natural over synthetic and always buy the best you can afford. You and our beautiful world will be better off for it!
If I can help you with your interior design project then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thanks for reading. Check back here for another blog in September.
Annie x
