Happy Earth Day, cuties! Today, I want to share with you about a topic I care deeply about: Sustainability and how it relates to interiors! Designing an eco-friendly home can seem like a daunting task. That’s why I’d recommend working with an interior designer (like anyone on our dedicated team here at KKH) to help you design an eco-conscious home.
“I’m so excited to share tips on how to create a healthy home with eco-friendly and sustainably sourced furniture. All of us here at Kathy Kuo Home want to make sure you not only love where you live, but that the Earth loves it too!”
No matter the size or scope of your project, we have a professional who can help you reach all your sustainability goals! After all, with their insane knowledge of manufacturing practices, materials, and sustainable brands, our designers are there to guide you.
Celebrating Earth Day: Make a Purchase, Plant a Tree!
At Kathy Kuo Home, we realize the environmental impact the furniture industry has on our planet. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is why we strive to partner with manufacturers who harvest materials from carefully controlled plantations with reforestation programs in place.
From April 19 to April 30, we will be planting one tree in donation for every purchase made on our site.
Specifically, we are proud to support EarthDay.org and The Canopy Project, an environmental initiative that is close to our heart. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more and make individual donations. Remember that even a small contribution can make a large difference.
Shop Eco-Friendly Furniture
Know Your Eco-Friendly Brands
Notably, the spaces where we live, work, and relax have a profound effect not only on the environment, but on our health and well-being. Thus, it’s important to use furniture and home decor from brands who are committed to their own eco-friendly, sustainable objectives.
I caught up with one of our amazing designers, Marcy, to get her take on this as well. “The first thing I like to do is gather a list of vendors that have a commitment to implement sustainable practices that I can source from,” she explains.
“Working with an interior designer can help you design with energy and water efficiency in mind, or for low environmental impact and waste reduction. Plus, our experienced designers can help you cultivate spaces that promote health, wellness, and mindfulness.”
Click to shop!
Shop Sustainable Materials
Choose Materials Wisely
Many furniture materials, plus the harsh, synthetic chemicals often used in construction projects, can impact human health negatively. These chemicals can result in volatilization, abrasion, degradation and much more. In this way, it’s important to be mindful of the materials you’re inviting into your home.
When choosing materials, it’s also important to consider the ones that have the longest lifespan. By prioritizing natural, strong materials, you’re guaranteed to keep your furniture and decor in better condition and around longer.
“We recommend using natural materials like wood, bamboo, wool, or sturdy, long-lasting materials like cork, metals, and concrete.”
Consider Eco-Friendly Lighting
When it comes to a sustainable home, energy-efficient lighting and appliances are must-haves. “LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs!” KKH interior designer Marcy notes.
Just by switching to LEDs alone, you can lower your carbon footprint, and (wait for it!) your lighting bills. Using current lighting technology to minimize the need for artificial lighting can decrease energy use in homes by 50-70 percent.
“Green lighting design tends to prioritize the use of natural daylight to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, and this is believed to have beneficial effects on the homeowners too!”
Click to shop!
Shop Eco-Friendly Bestsellers
Be Mindful of the Shipping Process
Shipment consolidation is a strategy that can help reduce almost all environmental hazards. Furthermore, it is something that we are proud to offer here at KKH. Our interior design team notes: “As a sustainable designer, a consolidation service is sustainable especially if the service/company providing service has a commitment to reducing gas emissions and reducing energy consumption during operations.”
Your designer can guide you through the questions of what a given shipping company is doing to ensure that their service is sustainable. Is their packaging environmentally friendly? Do they reduce and recycle their waste? I can promise our team can help you reach the answers you need!
“By consolidating your orders into a limited number of packages and recycling your packaging, you can help reduce waste and produce more eco-friendly shipping.”
Kathy Kuo Home Design Services
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
