I try to make my home more sustainable and ecofriendly, but each year around Earth Day, I’m reminded to pay additional attention to the environmental impact of my decor options. I hope you can all collect ideas below for choosing ecofriendly fabric and using it in your home.
Nina Jizhar
Natural can mean daring and lovely. When using natural-fiber fabrics such as wool, cotton or linen, purchase organic when you can. Otherwise, the harm caused by pesticides and chemicals used to grow and manufacture the cloths may outweigh the benefits.
Organic cotton comes in many forms: high end, indie designed or straight from a internet retailer. Designer Nina Jizhar upholstered the wingback chair above in an organic cotton she designed.
The Lettered Cottage
The fun thing about lace and cotton is that they’re so versatile and used for many distinct weaves. Some, like velvet, are delicate and elegant. Some give a more rustic vibe, like these burlap drapes that give texture and depth for this nook.
Rubie Green
Rubie Green Upholstery Fabric – $90
Ecofriendly fabric can be found at almost any level and price point. You can locate it at fabric e-commerce sites, to-the-trade businesses or specialty companies such as Rubie Green, which sells green fabric exclusively.
Abbe Fenimore Studio Ten 25
There are many chances to go green once you’re shopping in large retail stores. This hot pintuck duvet from West Elm is made from organic cotton. Just make certain that you read the product details.
Gaile Guevara
Why not wool? Unlike cotton and linen, wool isn’t made from crops; however when you purchase organic wool, it ensures the sheep are fed and treated well — and who would not need that kind of reassurance?
Bill Fry Construction – Wm. H. Fry Const. Co..
Man-made green. Artificial cloth may not seem very green, but many ecofriendly cloths are made of 100 percent recycled polyester from bottles and other plastic containers. While polyester has numerous benefits (like being significantly less prone to staining and creasing than linen or cotton), it is still a less sustainable choice than natural natural fabrics.
Zin Home
Hemp is all the rage. Not only is the creation of hemp fibers chemical free, some even argue it enhances the soil where it is grown. Hemp fabric is also extra durable, so it is a fantastic choice for furniture which gets a lot of wear and tear — such as your dining table chairs or your sofas.
Vintage Renewal
Sustainable vintage. Using secondhand furniture isn’t only trendy and affordable, but also replaceable. Vintage Renewal is a Colorado boutique which uses vintage or upcycled fabric to give previously used furniture a fresh lease on life.
Economy Interiors
Here, vintage linen has been used to reupholster a bench by the foot of a bed for a country-style bedroom.
Jeanette Lunde
Stretch vintage fabric onto a canvas for instant, low-maintenance artwork — ideal for kids’ spaces and craft rooms.
Kate Jackson Design
Here, designer Kate Jackson got chairs and stools from Lee Industries and Hickory Chair, two firms known for their sustainable furniture. The two companies also invest in soy-based foam for those seats, sustainable wood and more.
Design Within Reach
Details count. A little measure such as getting an organic cotton blanket rather than a nonorganic one is a step ahead.
More:
Eco Easy: Fundamental Elements of Great Green Design
Stylish Ecofriendly Furniture
Vintage Renewal Loft at Denver
