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SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR LIVING:
Eco-Friendly Products for Your Yard & Patio
Enjoy the natural outdoors with sustainable outdoor decor, soft modern rugs & durable nontoxic furniture
ALL OUTDOOR LIVING:
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How to choose your sustainable outdoor living products...
When picking eco-friendly outdoor products for your backyard, porch, patio, and other spaces, look for natural outdoor decor, like natural fibers rugs, fabrics made from recycled PET plastic, swings, poufs and sofas, for example. When choosing nontoxic outdoor furniture, choose items made from solid hardwood, waterproof fabrics, stainless steel and eco-friendly materials that are safe and free from harmful chemicals. These materials not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor spaces but also contribute to a healthier planet!
What Does “Sustainable Outdoor Living” Mean?
Sustainable living means creating natural spaces that are kind to the environment and good for your health. It involves using eco-friendly, natural outdoor products and indoor furniture that’s eco-conscious and sustainable.
These items are usually made from natural materials and blend well with the outdoors. By choosing sustainable outdoor living, you help the planet and enjoy beautiful, safe outdoor areas. Nontoxic furniture items are safer for you, your family, and the environment, because they are made with materials that help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, contributing to better health and wellbeing.
What materials are considered eco-friendly for natural outdoor decor?
When it comes to sustainable and eco-friendly materials for outdoor living, you have many options that stand out for their minimal environmental impact and natural qualities. Teak wood is a popular natural outdoors choice for its durability, natural insect-repellent properties, and resistance to weather, making it perfect for outdoor furniture, like chairs and benches.
Rattan, a flexible and sustainable material, is often used for weaving outdoor furniture. The handmade and airy feel of rattan adds a touch of natural elegance, such as for comfy swinging chairs and outdoor floor lanterns.
Hemp is a strong natural fiber that is resistant to mold and mildew, making it ideal for outdoor cushions and textiles. Cork is a renewable resource that is water-resistant and soft underfoot, perfect for outdoor flooring or accessories. Metals like aluminum and stainless steel, when sourced responsibly and paired with eco-friendly finishes, provide durability and recyclability without the potential to rust. While organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, it’s not waterproof and is not recommended for sustainable and organic options for outdoor living.
Finally, Polypropylene (PP) is another popular option that’s waterproof, nontoxic and recyclable for sustainable outdoor living, making it perfect for outdoor sofas and poufs.
Can I recycle or repurpose old natural outdoor decor?
Absolutely! Many old outdoor furniture pieces can definitely be recycled or repurposed, and doing so is a fantastic way to contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Instead of discarding these items, consider the following options:
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Donating: Many organizations and charities accept gently used furniture. Donating your items not only helps those in need but also prevents waste.
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Upcycling: Get creative and transform old furniture into something new and unique for your sustainable outdoor living. For example, an old wooden bench can become a rustic coffee table, or metal chairs can be painted and used as decorative garden pieces.
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Refurbishing: Sometimes all your furniture needs is a little refresh. Sanding, painting, or reupholstering can give old pieces a fresh look and extend their life.
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Recycling: Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept outdoor furniture. Materials like metal, plastic, and wood can often be recycled, reducing the environmental impact. Outdoor fabrics and rugs made from polypropylene and/or PET are recyclable at the end of their useful life, such as these outdoor cushions.
By choosing to recycle or repurpose your old outdoor furniture, you’re not only minimizing waste but also contributing to a more eco-friendly and sustainable world!
What should I avoid when buying furniture from eco-friendly outdoor brands to ensure it is sustainable?
Avoid furniture made from cheap MDF, plastic, or materials treated with harmful chemicals. Instead, opt for pieces made from natural, sustainable materials with eco-friendly finishes. Make sure no harmful waterproofing or stain-repellant chemicals are applied to the fabrics, like upholstered outdoor furniture materials that can leach chemicals into the skin (materials such as vinyl, PVC and solution-dyed acrylics).
For outdoor upholstered furniture like outdoor couches, it’s important to avoid the popular fabrics that are coated with toxic waterproofing chemicals. We mindfully source only high-performance, non toxic, waterproof fabrics such as olefin fabric from soft woven polypropylene (PP).
Olefin is an inert plastic that’s uniquely waterproof by the way it’s woven. Olefin is stain resistant, light weight, UV resistant, breathable, does not off-gas plastic fumes and is easy to recycle. In fact, we’ve found PP to be hypoallergenic, too!
How can I incorporate plants into my sustainable outdoor living space?
Choose native and drought-resistant plants to create a low-maintenance, eco-friendly garden. Look for pots made from recycled or sustainable materials, such as these planters.
Incorporating vertical gardens is another excellent way to maximize space, especially if you have a smaller outdoor area. Vertical gardens can be created using wall-mounted planters, hanging baskets, or even trellises with climbing plants. This approach not only saves space but also adds lush greenery to walls and fences, creating a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere. You can also use compost from kitchen scraps to nourish your plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting is a sustainable practice that recycles organic waste and provides nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
5 Tips to Improve Your Sustainable Outdoor Living Space:
1. Choose reputed sustainable outdoor companies:
Invest in outdoor furniture made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastics, reclaimed wood, and sustainably sourced natural fibers like rattan or teak. Most sustainable outdoor brands use these materials to reduce environmental impact while offering durability and aesthetic appeal, ensuring your natural outdoor living space is both stylish and sustainable.
2. Incorporate native plants:
Select native plants for your garden and landscaping. Native species are better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and maintenance. They also support local wildlife, such as birds and pollinators, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
3. Utilize solar lighting in your natural outdoors spaces:
Implement solar-powered lighting to illuminate your outdoor space. Solar lights are energy-efficient and reduce reliance on electricity. They come in various styles and can be used to highlight pathways, garden features, and seating areas, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while being environmentally friendly. Opt for sustainable outdoor companies that reduce carbon emissions and footprint with eco friendly products. Outdoor lanterns are a beautiful way to add ambiance with the use of LED lighting or solar lighting.
4. Integrate feng shui principles:
Enhance the harmony and energy flow in your outdoor living space by incorporating eco-friendly outdoor products following Feng Shui principles. Arrange your furniture to create open, inviting pathways and ensure that seating areas have a solid backing, such as a wall or fence, to provide a sense of stability and security. Use natural elements like water features, plants, and stones to balance the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) and promote a peaceful, balanced environment. Position plants and accessories to encourage positive energy flow, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere in your sustainable outdoor space. By choosing eco friendly outdoor brands, you can further enhance the sustainability and harmony of your environment, while caring for our lovely planet.
5. Opt for eco-friendly outdoor products and accessories:
Look for accessories that are biodegradable or can be easily recycled at the end of their useful life. Try decorating your outdoor space with eco-friendly accessories such as recycled or upcycled decor items. If you live in an arid region that’s dry, natural fiber rugs are also options for a beautiful outdoor living space. These items not only enhance the look of your space but also align with sustainable living principles. However, be sure you store them away from moisture… For dry climates, a beautiful addition to your outdoor living are organic cotton cushions. For most any outdoor climate, try some fun nontoxic waterproof cushions like these ,a href="https://www.healthierhomes.com/product-page/modern-lux-outdoor-throw-pillows-collection">outdoor rated cushions.