Five Sustainable Practices to Incorporate into your Design
There is no denying that we’re in a climate crisis and it’s time to rethink how we’re currently doing things. That includes how we think, plan and execute renovations. We can’t continue to extract, and dispose of materials at the current rate we are going. We need to rethink and reimagine.
It’s hard enough planning a design for a new renovation or refresh, let alone adding a whole layer of sustainability into the mix. I get that it can feel daunting and it’s the first thing to fall by the wayside. It’s easier to tear out and start new. Put your stamp on it. In some instances, this must be done because of safety. When this isn’t the case, I urge us to think differently. Unfortunately government policies are lagging when it comes to sustainability which will ultimately make it easier for the consumer to make sustainable choices.
Sustainable design starts with a complete mindshift and can be applied at every level of your project. This approach takes more planning, but is most rewarding. It’s rethinking your house, and your project.
So, to help you on your next project, here are the five main sustainable practices that I use to execute our projects. While they might not all pertain to your upcoming renovation, they are meant to be a quick reference to make sure that you keep on track and rethink on all future projects.
Read the Labels: Where is it made, what is it made from? OSC or OEKO-Tex?
Follow the R’s of the Circular Economy: rethink, redesign, reduce, reuse, recycle. Each of these r’s ultimately help to eliminate waste/pollution, recirculate products and materials so they don’t end up in landfill, and regenerate nature.
Go for eco renovation products: Flooring -solid hardwood made with FSC wood, cork flooring, and marmoleum. Paint- no VOC paints. Millwork and moldings- stick to wood
Go for timeless over trendy: Make sure that products can stand the test of time in terms of quality and can ultimately continue in the circular economy
Deconstruct your renovation instead of demo-ing your space: Take the extra time to remove your cabinets, countertops, flooring to donate it to organizations like Reuse or Habitat for Humanity. When deconstructing a home take the time to carefully remove joists, 2 x 4’s and other wood products that can be easily reused and repurposed for other construction projects. This is particularly important in houses 1970’s and older which were more likely built using old growth trees.
We can all make a difference. All it takes is rethinking how you do your projects and executing it. It might seem hard at the beginning, but it will eventually become second nature and ultimately part of your values.