Living Well At Home

Home Décor and Conscious Consumption

We only have one planet, and it’s up to us to protect it from pollution, waste, and overconsumption of resources. Many people now list low-waste living among their priorities, but even more don’t know where to begin. Fortunately, cutting out waste is easier than you imagine. Here, we take a closer look at simple strategies for low-waste décor to make your home as eco-friendly as it is stylish.

Switch to an Efficient Electric Fireplace

No one likes to be cold – or turn up the thermostat. A fireplace seems like a great solution, but should you choose an electric fireplace or an existing wood-burning option?

With no fossil fuels to increase your carbon footprint, wood-burning fireplaces should be eco-friendly. Yet on average, a traditional fireplace converts just 15% of wood’s energy into useful heat for your home. Wood smoke is also considered an indoor air pollutant. That means your family breathes potentially harmful fumes every time you light a fire.

Red electric stove heater in cozy bedroom

In contrast, electric fireplaces create realistic flames by using energy-efficient LED power. These bulbs last up to 50,000 hours before replacement is needed, cutting down on waste in landfills and money spent on fireplace wood. These bulbs earn efficiency ratings up to 75% or more, making them five times more effective than wood for home heating. At the same time, with no harmful fumes, soot, or other pollutants, indoor air quality remains high to ensure safe air for you and your family. And electric fireplaces work quickly and easily too…with the simple touch of a button or two on a remote control.

Saving Resources with Supplemental Zone Heating

Most of us spend the majority of our time in just a few rooms of the house. When your family gathers in the living room each night and every weekend, why spend more to heat the whole house? With an electric fireplace, you can keep the areas you use most warm and cozy, while maintaining a cooler temperature throughout the rest of your home.

The Danyell Electric Fireplace (shown below) is an ideal option for anyone hoping to cut energy consumption and save on utilities. To prevent wasted energy, its electronic timer automatically shuts the fireplace off after a predetermined period, which can range from 30 minutes to nine hours. Thanks to an adjustable thermostat, the fireplace turns the heat off when your space reaches the desired temperature, keeping you warm without consuming excess resources.

Gray stove heater in contemporary brick living room.

Electric fireplaces also work well for heating smaller rooms where space is extremely limited. There’s no need for a hearth or chimney, making placement far more flexible. Options like the Roven Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace (shown below) provide welcome warmth and style without taking up valuable room on the floor. When the weather warms, turn off the heat and simply enjoy the beauty of the Spectrafire® 3D Flame® Effect technology to create a beautiful look for every season.

Living a Low-Waste Lifestyle

How else can you be a more conscious consumer when it comes to home décor? Putting more thought into the home furnishings you buy is an easy way to make greener choices and create less waste. Selecting high-quality pieces built to stand the test of time is more important than ever before. That’s because even with modern recycling efforts, just 9% of the plastic waste that exists today has been recycled.

There are many ways to adopt a low-waste lifestyle, from avoiding single-use plastics to choosing cloth diapers for little ones. When it comes to your décor, try these tips to avoid waste over time:

  • Choose timeless styles over trends. When this year’s big trend is no longer in vogue, will you still love it? Bring a critical eye to every furniture purchase and opt for classic styles that will look good today and tomorrow.
  • Remix your furnishings. When you choose a single design style for your home, it’s easy to move furniture from room to room as you redecorate. Rather than throwing out a mid-century accent cabinet that sticks out in a coastal home, maintain a core aesthetic and look for new ways to use your favorite pieces.
  • Focus on function. Versatile furniture allows you to choose fewer pieces without sacrificing function. A sideboard works well as a buffet, storage center, or a home bar, while a console table can make a great workstation or décor display in your foyer to welcome guests.

Conscious Consumption for a More Beautiful Home

Everyone can do their part to help the environment and create a brighter future. Best of all, these changes have benefits beyond those for our planet. Low-waste living and responsible use of resources can also have major perks for your budget. To learn more, browse electric fireplaces and other home furnishings at Twin Star Home®, and find ideas and inspiration on our blog.

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