Tips For the Perfect Low Waste Living Space

A hot cup of tea or coffee, a good book and a blanket sounds great, right? This winter, we’re going to want to keep our living space as cozy as possible, since we’ll be spending so much time indoors. So, if you’re on a quest to create a comfy space, check out these low waste tips to keep it low waste too!

How Much Waste Is Produced From Furniture?

With any decor update, you typically start with the largest items in the room, which tend to be furniture. Furniture waste in the U.S. is a huge problem, as these bulky items are hard to sustainably dispose of. In 2018, over 9 million tons of furniture were wasted in the U.S. alone! That’s right, your comfy couch can be a large source of waste. In 2018, over 1000 tons of waste from sheets, towels and other blankets and bedding were sent to landfills. But you create your dream living space without tons of waste with these tips!

New Color, New Vibe

Any true home makeover might include a paint refresh. If you’re looking to change things up with a new splash of color, there are some ways to add a color without harsh chemicals. Check out paint from companies like Clare paint and ECOS paint for low VOC options. These paints keep Volatile Organic Chemicals to a minimum, keeping them out of our and the environment. Plus, Clare paint has even recycled paint trays!

Low Waste Furniture

Finding the perfect furniture can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be wasteful! When it comes to a furniture refresh, upcycling and marketplaces can help you update your space, save money and cut down on waste!

Couches and chairs can find new life with upcycled upholstery. Quilting patterns from old sheets and clothes, or a new denim pattern can be just what your space needs without waste. Keep the same old couch but give it a new look!

If upcycling isn’t in the cards for you, no worries, before throwing away an old furniture item, check out market places to see if anyone else can enjoy it, and see if you can find anything second hand. And don’t forget to check with your local municipality to see if they can help you recycle any of your bigger items!

Low Waste Decorations

Finally, decorations. Throw pillows, blankets and candles are all key to making your space feel comfortable, so we have some tips to keep it green too! Soy-based candles are a great addition to your home and are a great sustainable option. Check out these from P.F. Candle Co! Pair your soy candles with a refillable lighter to keep your whole relaxing routine sustainable!

When adding the finishing touches to your home with blankets and pillows, try to find fabric that is organic. We love decorative pillows from Burrow and Blankets from Boll & Branch. These tips can help keep your living space green and cozy this winter!

For more information on keeping your whole home low waste, check out these tips for your workspace, bathroom, kitchen and bedroom.