Sustainability in Design: Tips and Solutions
With greenwashing practices aplenty, here are five real solutions we can all implement for more sustainable designs.
The global climate crisis is a pressing issue in every community, making it increasingly important for each of us to do our part in creating a more sustainable future. The design industry is no exception.
At its worst, the design industry can have a significantly negative impact on the planet in areas such as deforestation, packaging waste, high carbon emissions, and planned obsolescence. On the flip side, designers have an incredible opportunity to promote change with more sustainable material selection, consideration of product life cycles, architectural daylighting, and energy efficiency solutions.
“A World Happiness Report on sustainable development and wellbeing found a strong link between sustainable development and self-reported measures of human wellbeing. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and European Environment Agency, among other international organisations, have also formally recognised the link between sustainability and human health and wellbeing.” Source
As a consumer and a designer, I understand the frustrations of navigating the design process while being mindful of my environmental impact. To help you get on a better track while designing your space, I’ve gathered a list of five practices with the planet in mind that we can (and should) implement now.
1. Heavily Reduce Shopping at Amazon
Amid fake reviews, heavy plastic waste, packaging waste issues, spending creep, low-quality products, and questionable (at best) leadership we all need to make a major effort to diversify our shopping portfolio from Amazon. When it comes to home decor, there are simply better finds elsewhere that still save you money and are more unique.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with local hardware stores, vintage shops, and small businesses to keep money in your community. Etsy is a perfect source if you can’t find what you’re looking for locally. Here’s a great list of sustainable home decor brands that don’t skimp on style.
2. Stop Acquiring Extra Vintage “Stuff”
While I am a big fan of shopping vintage rather than new, constantly picking up knick-knacks leads to overconsumption, which is wasteful. Once your walls and shelves are full, there’s no need to acquire more stuff.
Solution: Let’s normalize “no buy” periods and reintroduce the art of appreciation. Designate at least two months per year where anything decorative, vintage or not, is off-limits for you to purchase. You can still browse flea markets for the good of the game, but plan to leave those treasures behind for others to enjoy.
3. Pause on Trends
“Trends” are the antithesis of good design, which prioritizes longevity and individuality. I can appreciate when certain styles or materials have their moment in the spotlight, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to participate in what the TikTok algorithm deems worthy. Sage green kitchens, curved furniture, and butter yellow have all trended in the last few years. They can be done right, but they're never right if they don't suit your functional or long-term aesthetic preferences
Solution: If you see something that’s trending and it speaks to you, take a pause. Save the link or photo and put it in a digital folder to revisit in six months. Don’t let the marketing trick you; if it’s worth having, it’ll still be there. And don’t fret if something you have goes “out” - if you still love it, it’s worth keeping. Not sure if a trend fits your personal style? Book a consultation and I’ll be happy to guide you.
4. Practice Intentional Shopping
Most of us aren’t strangers to impulse purchasing or the buyer’s remorse that quickly follows. With home decor, that leads to disappointment in your design, clutter, dollars down the drain, and overflowing landfills. Below is a sample of what mindful curation can look like.
Solution: Save or print out this mindful purchasing questionnaire and review it before you hit “add to cart.”
Practical: Do I need this item? Will it fit in my home? Do I already have something similar? How many times will I use it? What will I do when I don’t want the item anymore?
Material: Is this item made of at least 50% sustainable materials? Is it built to last? Do I like how the material feels? Can I clean it regularly or refinish it one day?
Style: Does this fit my design style? Will I like the style of this item in five to ten years? Is it overly aspirational? Do I just like it because it’s trendy?
Source: Does this business have basic sustainability practices in place? How will the item come packaged? Are there good reviews on the item? Can I find this item or something similar at a local small business, secondhand store, or vintage shop?
5. Start Saving for Quality Pieces
Unfortunately, “fast” retailers have now made it possible to purchase lower-cost items with the trade-off being material quality. If you purchase a low-cost and low-quality piece, you might save a few bucks upfront, but you’ll end up with less money in your pocket when said item falls apart and you need to replace it in nine months.
Saving the planet isn’t a one-person job, but as designers, design enthusiasts, and consumers we must commit to doing our part for a more sustainable future.
That’s all for now, see you next month! xx
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