Construction and our daily life have an impact on nature. According to the World Green Building Council, the built environment (buildings and construction projects) contributes to 39% of all carbon emissions. However, engineers and interior designers offer solutions to reduce the negative effects, for instance, Eco-Friendly interior. 

Eco-Friendly Interior Designing is minimizing the resources involved in construction and taking up eco-friendly materials with emphasis on the health and environmental impact of the same. The benefits of green interior design come to include low maintenance cost, better air quality, energy efficiency, better waste management, and low exposure to toxic material.

As you probably understood, first of all, in such a design, it’s very important to pick materials and products with the lowest environmental impact. Organic materials (e.g. wood, wool, natural stone) seem the obvious choice, but we mustn’t forget that natural resources need to be treated responsibly. So choose quickly renewable materials (such as fast-growing bamboo), and are extracted in an environmentally responsible way.

Secondly, instead of discarding ‘’old-fashioned’’ objects while they are still functional, we can come up with creative ways to give them a new life. Or we can help reduce the depletion of natural resources (and divert waste from landfills) by opting for synthetic materials that were made from recycled waste or can be renewed/recycled at the end of their life cycle — when they are spent or people grow tired of them. With this cradle-to-cradle approach, waste becomes the raw material for new products, and a circular loop of manufacturing is formed, effectively minimizing or even eliminating waste.

Thirdly, to prevent materials and products from getting discarded too often, we should consider the lifespan of any material is planed to use, especially for those elements that experience a lot of wear and tear. The best way to achieve timelessness is to choose quality over quantity, classics over trendy, and simplicity/functionality over embellishments.

Frothy, Use water-based paint. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. VOCs are found in many household products, such as air fresheners, furniture, paints, and carpets. These compounds are bad for homeowners as they can contribute to all sorts of health problems. 

Fifthly, use more plants. This is a no-brainer. Plants provide oxygen and filter out harmful chemicals from the air. Plus, they offer natural beauty, ambiance, and freshness, bringing a little of the outside into your home.

Lilies, bamboo palm, or gerbera daisies especially do wonders in improving air quality. 

Moreover, in such a design it is important to be economical in energy and water. There are several easy ways: 

• switching to renewable energy in your household;
• turning off the lights when you leave a room;
• using energy-efficient lightbulbs;
• using less water;
• turning things off rather than leaving them on standby;
• not heating/cooling your home when no one is in; 

Also, installing home automation and so-called ‘’green gadgets’’ makes it possible to control heating and lighting systems remotely. This also helps residents and occupants use the building’s energy more efficiently and economically.

Sources: https://econyl.medium.com/5-principles-of-sustainable-interior-design-b390503a5176

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