FEATHER AND OAK

HOW TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE IN OUR HOMES

KATY HUSBAND of Feather & Oak Interiors

KATY HUSBAND FROM FEATHER AND OAK SHINES A LIGHT ON SOFT FURNISHINGS, FURNITURE AND DÉCOR THAT MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, REUSE INDUSTRY BY-PRODUCTS AND RECYCLE MATERIALS.

There are all kinds of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. The list is likely familiar to many of you by now – biking to work, turning off household lights when you’re not using them, buying local produce and so on.

A common area that is often overlooked lives right under our noses: our homes.

CURTAINS AND BLINDS Our curtains are one of the features of our house that we may not actively think about much, but they serve so many important purposes (decoration, warming the house, keeping out light, giving us privacy). We would be hard-pressed to live without them! Reducing our electricity bill not only does wonders for our wallets, but also the environment, and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is through good quality and well-manufactured window furnishings.

Tight-fitting honeycomb blinds are a superior insulation solution, helping with both cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. Try to fit your curtains close to the window and, ideally, make them go from ceiling to floor. This is because warm air rises up under short curtains and goes out the window, while cold air from outside then drops and moves in under those short curtains into your room. Brrr!

WALLPAPER AND PAINT Various wallpaper companies are providing sustainable manufacturing processes focusing on forest replanting, water recycling, natural dyes and recyclable packaging. There are several wonderful New Zealand companies manufacturing natural paints and oils, and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals both during and after painting.

MATERIALS Opt for organic and low-impact natural fibres. Natural fibres are a truly sustainable option when it comes to fabrics. Linen, hemp, wool and cotton come from readily renewable resources. These take only months to grow (or a year in the case of wool). Organic fibres are grown in the same way as organic food, through practices such as companion planting and growing healthy soil.

Several fabric suppliers are utilising PET plastic waste from consumers and industry to create durable and UV-resistant yarns, which are then woven into fabrics for curtains, upholstery and blinds.

BUY ONCE AND BUY WELL When it comes to buying furniture, make sure you choose well-made pieces that will stand the test of time. There is a significant amount of cheaply made furniture, which can often not be repaired, so it will eventually end up in landfill. Choose pieces that can be fixed easily and repurposed over time, saving the planet and your hard-earned cash in the long run!

Interesting furniture pieces made from sustainable materials such as rattan are excellent choices, as well as floor rugs utilising leather from the fashion industry.

Lots of small intentional steps and thoughtful decisions around environmentally positive choices for our homes will help create lasting change.