Sustainability is at the forefront of all our decisions at Iggy & Burt. Before we create anything in the studio we focus on the basics first. The most important decision for us is the material because we start every design with the question of whether or not the material is robust enough to manage well under every wear. Ultimately, to us that is the key factor to true sustainability in fashion.
We discussed as a team about how we could take that mentality into our homes and our approach to our interior style and home decisions in a practical way. If we regard durability and longevity in such a high regard with our wardrobes, it’s time we focused on that in our homes as well.
So here are our top tips for creating sustainable home:
- Select lighter colours
A pale colour scheme will of course reflect more light than darker hues and a consequence of that is a reduced level of artificial lighting used in the home. A good use of reflective surfaces also bounces light around the room.
- An abundance of rugs and carpets
Rugs can be more than just decorative addition to a room. They also can act as thermal insulators retaining the room’s heat.
- Before a new purchase, think about whether or not it is repairable
From furniture to appliances, the internet is full of helpful advice about repairing your purchases. Ultimately, sometimes spending more at the beginning saves you not only more money in the long run but can save your products from early landfill.
- Use natural light wherever possible
Not only will it help you home look cleaner, bigger and more welcoming, it will help save energy and reduce your use of electricity and gas. Your house plants will love it, keeping your indoor air quality cleaner.
- Treat or upgrade your windows
In most homes heat escapes through the windows, it’s essential that your windows are of the best quality while ensuring proper insulation. Treating your windows is always a great alternative to upgrading them.
- Buy zero toxin paint
If you can believe it there are healthier paint options out there. Paint chemicals can cause an array of health effects and do contribute to air pollution. By choosing zero toxin paints you could help improve your indoor air quality.
- Install efficient shower heads and faucets
Update your faucets and shower heads with more efficient models to save water and energy. Today, there are so many models available that claim 60% less water usage.
- Invest in an automated system
Nest is brilliant. Nest or similar systems automate and control your heating and lighting from anywhere. Helping you use your home more efficiently and economically.
- Switch your light bulbs
Energy efficient lightbulbs are probably the easiest and cheapest ways to create a more sustainable home. Traditional lightbulbs give 90% of its energy as heat, rather than what they are actually used needed for. Which makes them much more expensive to use.
- Say goodbye to flat pack furniture
Simply, it doesn’t last enough. The lack of sturdiness of flat pack furniture means that in the not too distant future you will have to pay to replace it.
- Use renewable energy
There are quite a few ways to power your home. From solar power to air source heat pumps. This investment will be one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to update your home.
- Say goodbye to single use plastics
By looking around your home you can see the single use plastics that we purchase every day. By buying glass bottles and bottle sprays you can get inventive with how to refill your everyday products without re-purchasing the same plastic bottles.
- Thermal wallpaper, thermal lined curtains
Effective in the Winter and Summer. Creating dead-air space between the window and the room, thermal curtains can reduce the amount of air infiltration and transfer of heat. Heat is kept inside during the winter and during the summer, heat is reflected back outside.