By now, you probably realise that veganism is a choice that impacts every area of your life. Sure, not eating meat and animal-based products is a big chunk of it, but so is avoiding animal products in other areas of your life and that includes in decorating your home.
Every homeowner wants a beautiful house that is cosy and welcoming, yet it's hard to avoid non-vegan trends. Here are four for your information.
Make It By Faking It
For every material that is made from animals, or crafted by exploiting them, there are eco-friendly alternatives. Leather is a very common material in the home, yet it can be replaced. Faux leather and faux fur are almost identical to touch, and the difference in style is hard to spot, too. However, you need to think about how it is made and if it is made with plastic the effect of that on the environment. As well as cowhide, you should avoid silk. Made with the help of silkworms, it's avoidable thanks to plant-based organic cotton. Vegans also avoid down which is used in pillows and duvets but there are alternatives out there. Basically, you need to do your research and check that there are no animal products used in the manufacturing process.
Buy From Accredited Suppliers
Buy From Accredited Suppliers
The knock-on effect of purchasing artificial materials is authenticity. How do you know that they aren't made from animals? Usually, the price is an indicator, especially regarding faux leather. Of course, there are no guarantees, which is why it's essential to research the supplier. A reputable provider of faux home decor materials will have manufacturing processes that include 100% recycled materials, for example. Also, the supply chain is a major factor. If you can find out more about their partners, you should look into their standards and practises, too.
Stick With Vegan Staples
One material that is clearly vegan is wood. Wood is a natural substance that is stylish and easy to find and to create an incredibly stunning element into your home. Of course, the wood should be sustainable from sustainably managed forests wherever possible. An alternative would be to upcycle and use wood items that are older so no tree is cut down for you to decorate your home. In your garden try installing some coloured decking to make a relaxing outdoor area and open the kitchen doors to get the fully open and airy effect, then plant a tree to help give back to the environment. Trees absorb O2 removing it from the air and storing it while releasing oxygen.
Stay Local
When you start buying materials from further afield, you increase the chances of breaking your pledge to the cause. Not only do countries' values on animal cruelty differ, but there is a pollution aspect to the shipping of goods. Since 1970, there's been an 80% rise in CO2 emissions, meaning everybody needs to do their bit to save the planet. Purchasing items and services from the UK should lower your carbon footprint while ensuring the welfare of animals. The closer to your postcode that you can source materials, the better.
Are you a vegan? How do you renovate in line with veganism values?
Stay Local
When you start buying materials from further afield, you increase the chances of breaking your pledge to the cause. Not only do countries' values on animal cruelty differ, but there is a pollution aspect to the shipping of goods. Since 1970, there's been an 80% rise in CO2 emissions, meaning everybody needs to do their bit to save the planet. Purchasing items and services from the UK should lower your carbon footprint while ensuring the welfare of animals. The closer to your postcode that you can source materials, the better.
Are you a vegan? How do you renovate in line with veganism values?
*Collaborative post
An interesting post. Thank you. I drift between vegetarianism and veganism and confess that, in the past, I have not properly considered this matter. It was difficult enough just buying vegan food and clothes. However, I recall asking one of the big high street stores about the source and ethical policies for their pillow and duvet fillings and the person who managed the dept said she didn't know and had never been asked before. Thankfully, things are a little better now.
ReplyDeleteThings have definitely moved on. Thanks for the comment Susan!
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