A homewares trend will come and go. It will occasionally reappear, before disappearing into the ether, never to be seen again (plastic table cloths, anyone?).
However, one that’s emerged in recent years looks set to stay, and we couldn’t be happier. In fact, the category is actually booming, with great reason. Increasingly, people are realising that making eco-smart choices in the home, contribute to the health of our planet, as well as our bank accounts.
Pearl Chan, founder and operator of Resparkle, offers these tips for turning your home into an eco-friendly haven.
Homewares Trend: Mindful Consumption
Mindful consumption is spearheading the eco-friendly homewares trend, according to Pearl.
“We simply need to stop consuming as much as we currently do,” states Pearl. “Try to live with less. When you purchase mindfully, you tend to choose quality. The item lasts longer and therefore cuts down on waste.”
Get on board this homewares trend by asking yourself these questions:
- Do I really need this or is it just an impulse buy ?
- Will it actually look good in my home and/or have a useful function?
- Could the money be used for something far more useful, such as saving for a deposit on a home, or taking that much-needed vacation?
- Am I buying this piece of clothing for when I lose weight and can fit into it?
- Will this item wind up in my next garage sale?
Your answers will help determine whether you make the purchase or not!
Homewares Trend: Swap Chemical For Natural
“Many household cleaning products have still harsh chemicals in them that aren’t environmentally friendly,” reveals Pearl. “Swap out traditional chemical-laden home cleaning products for natural alternatives. Look for those with earth-friendly ingredients like melaleuca, lime and lemon, or white vinegar.
“We are fortunate to live in a time where there is an abundance of better-for-you, better-for-the-planet alternatives for almost everything,” smiles Pearl. “If you feel overwhelmed, just take it one step, one choice at a time. “
And remember, Google has the answer to almost everything except the meaning of life. “A simple Google search will usually yield more eco-friendly choices for almost anything in your house, and plenty of products not available in supermarkets or grocery stores, too,” says Pearl.
Read The Ingredients
“Learn to read and understand ingredients label,” stresses Pearl ” I suggest checking out the Environmental Working Group. It rates ingredients in terms of toxicity to humans, waterways and the environment.”
Avoid Plastic
The plastic economy is the second largest accelerator of climate change. Many people might think that recycling their plastic makes it okay – but the actual production of the plastic in the first place needs to be drastically minimised. “Furthermore, just under 10 percent of plastic in Australia actually ends up being recycled, which is a pretty staggering statistic,” says Pearl So really look for ways to BUY LESS plastic and find alternatives.
Use Cold Water
“Wash your clothes in cold water,” stresses Pearl. “Up to 90 percent of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating water, so skip the hot water settings when doing your laundry. Not only is this more eco-friendly but it will also keep your clothes in top condition for longer, as hot water deteriorate fabrics.
Dealing with stubborn stains? “Simply soak them in a small bucket of hot water and some detergent before putting them in the machine on cold wash,” advises Pearl.
Be A Smart Shopper
When it comes to your weekly shopping list, there are plenty of products you can purchase that will minimise your footprint on the planet’s eco-system. Here are some of our faves.
With a Natural Dish Wash Kit, Foaming Hand Wash Kit, Natural Laundry Powder and Natural All-Purpose Kit, Resparkle has your home sorted when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. Simply choose a sachet of plant-based powder of your choice mix it with water in the re-useable glass bottle and you’re good to go!
Grants of Australia Natural Toothpaste
A homewares trend should absolutely extend to what we use on – and in – our bodies. Enter, Grants of Australia Natural Toothpaste. Not only is grants free from the nasty chemicals many other oral care products contain, it’s a lot cheaper too! Bonus: Grants of Australia takes a major stance against animal testing and support organisations that are dedicated to animal rights and protecting their natural environments.
In 2013 Grants adopted a koala called Fingal through the Australian Koala Foundation, a non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the conservation and effective management of the wild koala and its habitat.
Lovebyt Mouthwash Peppermint Oil
This natural, botanical, chemical-free mouthwash has been formulated to help reduce oral inflammation, boost immune support, relieve dry mouth and prevent plaque-causing bacteria known to cause bad breath. It won’t compromise your mouth’s natural pH or saliva production, either.
Nude Pets All-Natural Dog Treats
Many commercial dog and cat foods are made using factory farmed meats, meat meal and other undeterminable ingredients, which is why it clearly states on the packet “Not for Human Consumption” or “Pet Food Only”. I’m of the philosophy that if I wouldn’t eat it myself, I’m not feeding it to my dogs. Watch the Netflix Documentary Pet Fooled and you’ll get a pretty great idea why.
Enter, Nude Pets. This range of all-natural treats is handmade in small batches, using premium quality meat sourced from ethical butchers, as well as Australian grown vegetables. The entire range is free from added fats, flavours, sugar, salt, preservatives and chemicals. And yes, they are totally fit for human consumption, too.
There’s even a selection of grooming essentials that again, are all natural, chemical free and perfect for pets with sensitive skin.
