Denby x Pia Design: How to choose more sustainable home interiors

September’s Guest Article by Hayley Baddiley from Denby

More people than ever are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet and therefore their carbon footprint, and are finding ways to buy more sustainably and consciously. Ceramics and homeware brand Denby has come up with its own environmental policy to continue its effort towards making conscious changes. Here, Hayley Baddiley from Denby shares her tips for creating a beautiful home interior that is also kind to the planet.

Many people are becoming more interested in sustainability over the last few years, and this is reflecting on the way people are designing their homes. In a survey conducted by Deloitte in 2020, researchers found that one third of UK customers want to be more sustainable with their shopping habits. So, how can you make your home more eco-friendly?

Here, we'll go through some easy ways to bring sustainability into your house and design your interiors to be kinder to the planet. There are plenty of things you can do, and some of these will also save you money as an added bonus!

Buy items that will last a long time

You've probably heard the saying 'buy cheap, buy twice', but you might not realise that this saying can help the earth, as well as your wallet. Don’t get caught up in trends or be fooled by items that are reduced to very cheap prices: buy the highest quality that you can afford and make things last. By using things that aren't likely to need replacing, you are creating less waste, reducing your carbon footprint, and also creating a classic style within your home.

Pieces that you can buy to last include a lot of kitchen and homeware items, like cast-iron skillets, stainless-steel cooking utensils, and a well-designed flask. Other durable items that will last well into the future are well-made ceramics, such as stoneware. These items won't go out of fashion, and come in a variety of styles, so you can express your aesthetic in your interior, as well as looking out for the environment.

Look for British-made items

It's always tempting to reach for the first thing you come across, and not take the time to look up the company or supplier. But by making the effort to seek out British designers and makers, you'll find some beautiful items for your interiors, support homegrown businesses, and reduce your carbon footprint when these items don't have to be shipped internationally. You might also discover a local business just around the corner that you can buy from.

The survey conducted in 2020 by Deloitte, found that 45% of recipients bought more locally in order to be more sustainable. As more consumers move towards this way of buying, we could find a wider variety of products offered by British businesses, and you might discover some designers you would never have found if you hadn't looked for British suppliers.

Buy less single use plastic

The materials we use around our home can also have an impact on the environment. We have all been used to there being a 5p charge on single use plastic bags at supermarkets since 2015. Since its inception, the policy has reduced the use of supermarket plastic bags by 95%. Use of the plastic bags dropped by 59% just in 2020 alone! Clearly, we are all thinking more about how much plastic we use, and this can be an easy way for many to make their home more eco-friendly.

So, invest in some durable, stylish bags for life, and use longer lasting ceramic bowls and plates covered with beeswax wraps to store food as opposed to single use cling-film. Many supermarkets will offer recyclable paper bags to weigh out vegetables instead of the traditional plastic ones, so try those out too. If you really can't avoid plastic, try to buy items that are for multiple uses, rather than plastic that will only be used when you're taking your shopping home.

Opt for more natural materials

As well as single use plastic, we can be mindful of the materials that we use around our home. When you're choosing cleaning items, try out brands that are more natural as these will be gentler on the environment. By reducing the amount of harsh chemicals we use, we can ensure that there is less of an impact on our eco-system.

You can also buy cleaning brushes and sponges made from more sustainable materials. Rather than a typical non-renewable sponge, try buying cleaning tools made from sustainably grown crops such as loofah and coconut. You can also go for more natural fabrics like cotton and wool (the latter of which is also often British) rather than synthetic fibres. Natural fibres are also longer-lasting, making it worth it to buy high quality items.

Upcycle any clutter

We all accumulate some clutter sooner or later, as it's a natural part of building a home. But when you want to have a clear out, try upcycling some of your used items instead of throwing them away. This can be as simple, or as complex as you like. An old glasses case can be turned into a compact sewing kit, while used mascara brushes can actually become useful tools to clean in small corners.

Or, you can go for an upcycling project, like turning an old window into a picture frame, or transforming an old pair of flannel pyjamas into a new scarf. With some imagination, you can turn the most basic item into something much more exciting. Not only is this more sustainable, but it can also become a fun hobby and help you create some unique décor around your house. You can even use old mugs to store pens and pencils or a plant in, for a simple recycling method.

When buying things for your home, you can combine having a stylish, cosy interior with lowering your impact on the earth. Buying long-term investments, developing a classic style, and finding ways to upcycle your possessions can save you money, create more unique décor, and help you be more eco-friendly.