PROPERTY NEWS - Sustainability is not about being fashionable, but about keeping our planet alive and thriving by responsibly using, reusing, and recycling its resources.
We should all be doing what we can to promote this - and it extends to how we think about our homes and about the items we purchase to furnish them.
"Selecting and buying sustainable furniture and décor items that are responsibly sourced and manufactured can be an affordable way to introduce sustainable elements to your household," says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
It might require some research, but, before buying furniture or décor items for their homes, Goslett suggests that homeowners check that both the manufacturers as well as the retailers care for and are committed to both the environment and the health and well-being of their workers.
One way of doing this is to look for brands that carry the stamps of approval of regulatory bodies such as the Fair Trade Foundation or Cradle to Cradle.
Buy local
Goslett also says that supporting local stores and manufacturers is a win-win for the economy as well as the environment.
"Apart from supporting the local economy, keeping it local will also lower your carbon footprint because you are likely to avoid the negative impact associated with mass production and long-haul land and sea transport," he notes.
A 2020 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) study estimated that in 2018, shipping was responsible for releasing 740 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Avoiding international shipping can make for a much more environmentally friendly purchase.
Those struggling to find local stores could use social media platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram to find sustainable décor inspiration and outlets - especially for the smaller, out-of-the-way shops that often don't have an online presence.
While some online décor stores retail only South African products, local craft markets and small businesses are treasure troves of furniture, tableware, and other soft furnishings and decorations.
The local markets often also sell upcycled or second-hand pieces, which are great ways of introducing sustainability into any household.
When it comes to recycling your own furniture or décor, Goslett encourages homeowners to find ways to re-use or repurpose the unwanted items. "Some items are easier to recycle than others, but most furniture can be reused in some way. For those pieces that simply cannot fit with your new vision, you do have options apart from dropping it off at the local dump," he says.
Some of these options include:
• Selling your unwanted items via online selling platforms such as Gumtree and Facebook buy-and-sell groups.
• Contacting second-hand shops that collect old goods that they sell in their stores.
• Donating your old furniture and decor items to non-profit organisations, some of which have charity or thrift shops through which they raise funds. Trade schools and skills centres often look for old appliances for training purposes too.
• Refurbishing pieces; for example, a coat of eco-friendly paint can bring old tables, chairs and other furniture into the new century. The same can be achieved by recovering old cushions and couches; look for suppliers of natural fabrics - locally and environmentally sourced - such as hemp, sustainable cotton and wool.
"Those who want to learn more about how building and decorating sustainably could impact the resale value of your property, should speak to their local RE/MAX office," Goslett suggests.
"As industry experts, we are always happy to help and to answer any questions. As suburb experts, some of our agents may even be able to recommend local stores that sell sustainable furniture and home décor."
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