When thinking about having a home that feels intentional, welcoming, and easeful, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s being reflective of former eras, highlighting the wisdom and design of time gone by. Maybe it’s being organized, free from clutter and everything having its place. Or, maybe it’s simply reflecting your values, a place that feels grounded and fosters a sense of connection to your community at large.
Having a more eco-friendly home will help guide you toward any of these goals. Here’s why: Being eco-friendly isn’t just about doing the right or wrong things. It’s about creating awareness of the little things that later become the big things—of the habits, needs, and intentions we bring into each day and how our decisions can create a ripple effect of good.
If you’re wondering how to make your home more eco-friendly, but feel overwhelmed by the task, consider these mindset shifts below. With less pressure and more perspective, your sustainability wheels will be turning in no time.
Go paperless where you can.
It may seem like a small thing, but small actions can still make a big difference. Globally, over 250 million tons of paper towels are thrown away every year—that’s almost 700,000 tons per day. Just from paper towels! Switching from paper towels and napkins to cloth ones might feel like an initial investment, but one that pays for itself in time. Not only are linen and cotton more durable materials, lasting for years to come, but they are an easy way to elevate daily meals and festive gatherings alike. Let the everyday be a joy.
Plus, Jo loves having a basket of linens on hand for any occasion—mix and match to your, and your guests’, content!
Get organized.
What does organization have to do with sustainability? It turns out, a lot. When you have a good grasp of your kitchen essentials, what’s in your wardrobe, or general household items, you’ll be far less susceptible to impulse purchases or accumulating extra duplicates of stuff you don’t really need. Spend some time weeding through your pantry or closet, adding shelves for visibility or canisters that keep things in plain sight. Streamline your go-tos and know what you’ll eventually need to top up on. When in doubt, simplify. In many cases, less is actually more.
Design around a theme.
Similar to the above, when you have a vision in mind, you’re better able to make decisions and purchases in support of it. A little intention can alleviate a lot of stress. Whether you’re in a short-term rental or have finally moved into your dream home, spend some time articulating how you want your space to look, feel, and flow. What are three key words you’d use to define your space? Is there a hero piece that sets the tone of the room? Use your vision as your guiding light, decorating slowly, and allowing your home to come together on its own time.
This also enables you to shop vintage or antique markets with purpose, less prone to getting stuff just for trend’s sake, and more aligned with pieces that truly reflect your story and personality.
Welcome nature.
There’s a beauty in living in-tune with nature, not in constant separation from it. At Magnolia, we love honoring each season, welcoming transitions and making a point to celebrate the essence of nature’s cycles. Maybe this looks like filling a vase with foraged finds, prioritizing natural textures like cotton or raffia, or setting a goal of cooking a new dish each quarter using only seasonal ingredients. When you’re aware of the nature around you, you’re reminded of just how generous the earth really is. A respect grows, which then, more often, can show up in lifestyle choices.
An eco-friendly home is one woven with intention and care. When you’re open to it, there’s inspiration for how that looks all around—along with permission to go at your own pace. Perfection isn’t the goal, but progress is always possible. Nature is a consistent reminder of the power of beginning again.
