Planting the seeds of smart living

How to get the balance right when it comes to sustainable sourcing and the product’s lifespan

WHEN YOU invest in your home, it’s important for you and prospective buyers to know that the materials you used will last and they are from a sustainable source, says Grahame Diedericks, the manager principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Midrand.

Universal Paints and DIYgirls Interior, a turnkey interior design and manufacturing company, offer the following tips for getting the balance right.

START WITH SUSTAINABILITY

It’s a good idea to focus on investment pieces, in other words, items that will look as good in five years as they do today. This is important because sustainability isn’t just about how an item is produced – although the manner in which factories handle waste, effluent and emissions are critical, too – it also involves how long you can use it before it needs to be replaced.

“To improve the longevity of your home furniture and decorative furnishings, it’s important to make informed choices: yes, you can upholster outdoor furniture with indoor fabric but it will fade, perish and tear, and might be damaged by mildew because the materials have not been engineered to withstand the elements. In contrast, and as with paint, a fabric that is UV and mildew-resistant will stay fresh, for longer,” the two companies say.

MATERIALS MATTER

According to the International Union for Nature Conservation, more than 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and 14 million of them end up in our oceans, where they go on to make up 80% of marine debris. The bottom line is that refusing plastic can make a big difference. So too can opting for products that have been sustainably produced.

DIYgirls recommends investing in furniture that is upholstered in eco-friendly fabric. One of its preferred fabric choices is eco-label which is made from plastic harvested from the sea. It’s manufactured responsibly and contributes to recycling.

“There’s a wide range of environmentally friendly options out there, you just need to be pointed in the right direction.”

PRESSURE ON SUPPLIERS

Nothing refreshes a home quite like a new coat of paint, but while you’re considering colours and finishes, give a thought to what’s inside the paint, too.

Until January last year, most of the paint available on South African shelves contained lead, despite the fact that this is known to be a cancer-causing toxin that is hazardous to the environment.

“Next time you’re painting, make sure you’re buying environmentally friendly products that are free from harmful chemicals and are proved to be good for people and kinder to the planet.”

START RESPONSIBLY

When starting a paint job, many people give little thought to the old paint they strip off the surface of the object that’s to be given a new look. The problem is that paint peelings are often washed into stormwater drains, where they can cause harm.

“Instead, collect all old paint and place it into a container, which can be returned to a paint manufacturer who will discard it responsibly.

“The same goes for any leftover paint remaining from a home makeover: instead of dumping it, return it to the manufacturer to be disposed of correctly.”

REMEMBER TO RECYCLE

Recycling is a cornerstone of sustainability – the more plastics and other materials you can return to the system, the less virgin plastic will be used.

“Look out for recyclable materials when you’ve completed your home refurbishment: the containers used for paint are a great example. If you’re not sure how to recycle them, return them to the manufacturer.”

INDIGENOUS PLANTS IN LANDSCAPING

Diedericks adds that not only are indigenous plants easier to care for but homeowners will also be benefiting the environment as they are water-wise and species like bees will thrive.

“Plus, South Africa has a wealth of indigenous plant species, ranging from hardy succulents and fynbos to delicate flowers, majestic trees, shrubs, and bulbs.”

Jacques van Embden, the managing director at Blok, says firsttime home buyers should ensure that any development or property they are considering buying has modern appliances, fittings fixtures and infrastructure. While this can be boring and difficult to find out, he says these are the things that can end up costing them money.

“An ancient geyser can be so expensive to run and has an overly negative impact on the environment. Efficient and environmentally designed and fitted homes can easily save 50% of the monthly costs for water, electricity and waste.

“Making sure your building has covered these will be good for your pocket and the Earth.”