Sustainable Home Decor for Bangladeshi Homes

The world as we know it is slowly but surely moving towards a more ethically sourced, sustainable future; one that allows us to conserve the Earth’s limited resources for our future generations. Sustainability is gaining more popularity as a key topic in global discussions about the environment, especially since issues like global warming, ozone layer depletion, and emission of greenhouse gases are becoming part & parcel of our daily lives. Whether you are looking for living room decor ideas, or overall home decor ideas; sustainable home decor is something that you could definitely explore. As climate change gains significance across the world, a major number of Bangladeshis are trying to go for a more sustainable and eco-friendly home in terms of their interior design & decor. Sustainable home decor not only helps reduce environmental impact but also creates healthier living spaces, promotes local craftsmanship, and supports eco-friendly businesses. If you’re looking to make your home more eco-conscious while maintaining style, here’s how you can bring sustainable practices into home decor ideas.

1. Use Locally Sourced Materials

Due to the geographic location of our country, Bangladesh is well-equipped to design homes that are more sustainable. This can be easily done by choosing locally sourced materials that are abundant here, reducing the environmental costs associated with transportation and mass production. Materials like bamboo, jute, coconut shells, reclaimed wood and mud can be used to create a variety of decor items and furniture pieces.

• Bamboo: If you are looking for a renewable and sustainable resource for home decor, bamboo might be one of the best options for you. It is perfect for flooring, furniture, and accessories. It is biodegradable, durable, and lightweight, making it an excellent sustainable choice for home decor.
• Jute: Also known as “the golden fiber”, jute is one of Bangladesh’s key exports, especially since our country is one of the largest producers of the material. Using cushions, jute rugs, or even curtains can add a rustic charm to your home while supporting a local, eco-friendly industry.
• Reclaimed Wood: You can choose old/ used wood products as part of your home decor, especially if the items are in good condition (free of mold, rot or termites). Using furniture or decor items made of older wood gives your home decor a generational feel and value, adding history & character to a simple home.  

2. Recycled Furniture

Recycling is a major part of living sustainably. You can also add DIY touches to old or used items to give them a new life! Even though upcycled furniture takes more effort, it is also more fulfilling to upcycle old items than simply recycling used furniture. 

• Repurposing: Completely new furniture can be created by upcycling old items to make newer ones. This DIY approach adds personality to your space while reducing waste. For example, you can use old doors to create desks or tables. 
• Refurbishing: Sand, repaint, or reupholster your old or used furniture to completely transform how it looks and feels. Bangladeshi local artisans will often refurbish your old furniture for you to give it a chic and fresh new look at a nominal charge. 

3. Energy-Efficiency in Lighting

In a home, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood or atmosphere of a room, but it also can have a significant environmental impact. Choose energy-efficient lighting solutions that reduce electricity consumption and lower your carbon footprint.

• LED bulbs: Choose LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs. LED lights take up less energy, last longer, and emit less heat, making them both  cost-effective & eco-friendly in the long run.
• Solar-powered lights: Here in Bangladesh, we enjoy abundant sunshine throughout the year. Our climate makes Bangladesh ideal for solar-powered lighting that can be used almost all year-round. Consider solar garden lights for your home to reduce dependency on electricity from the grid. 

4. Clean Air from Indoor Plants

To make your home more sustainable, you can incorporate indoor plants into your home decor. Plants are beautiful, and they play an essential role in improving indoor air quality by releasing oxygen & absorbing carbon dioxide.

• Natural air-purifiers: Certain plants, such as the peace lily, and monstera, are known for their ability to purify the air. Having these plants in your home can help you breathe cleaner air while also adding a touch of greenery.
• Local plant varieties: Always choose native plants that are well-suited to the climate of Bangladesh, especially ones that need less water and even lesser maintenance. These amazing plants will thrive in your home, helping save water and support local biodiversity.

5. Sustainable Textiles

Textiles are an important part of home decor, from cushions and curtains to bed linens and rugs. Choosing sustainable textiles can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your home.

• Handwoven fabrics: Bangladesh’s rich tradition of handloom weaving, with artisans creating beautiful fabrics like jamdani and khadi, can prove to be a hidden advantage. Supporting local handicrafts provides you with unique, high-quality textiles for use in interior decor while also helping sustain traditional craftsmanship.
• Organic Cotton: Instead of cotton that is grown traditionally, look for organic cotton products that are grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals. Traditional cotton requires a lot of resources and leaves a bigger carbon footprint, which is why organic cotton will be more feasible in the long run. 
• Linen and Hemp: These natural fibers require fewer pesticides and water compared to cotton, and are often chosen in place of cotton as a natural clothing replacement. Hemp and linen can be used for everything including interior decor, making them great sustainable choices for home textiles.

6. Eco-Friendly Paints & Finishes

 The paints and finishes used in your home can have a significant impact on both the environment and your health. Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to air pollution and health issues. Instead, go for eco-friendly paints and finishes that are made from natural ingredients and are healthier alternatives.

• Non-Toxic Paints: Look for low-VOC/ no-VOC paints that are safer for the environment and everyone’s health. Bangladesh now stocks a number of eco-friendly paint brands, with a wide range of beautiful colors that are free from harmful chemicals.
• Natural Finishes: See if you can use natural finishes for your wooden furniture, such as linseed oil, beeswax, or coconut oil. These are non-toxic alternatives to synthetic varnishes and sealants, offering a more sustainable way to protect your wooden surfaces & furniture.

7. Supporting Local Crafts and Artisans

If you are looking to make your home decor more sustainable, try to support local artisans and small businesses in your area or region. By purchasing handcrafted items directly from artisans, you help preserve traditional crafts while promoting local economic growth.

• Handcrafted Pottery: Certain regions in Bangladesh are known for their beautiful pottery, which can become stunning decor pieces for your home. Handcrafted clay pots, vases, and planters are eco-friendly and also add an authentic touch to your interiors. 
• Bamboo & Cane Products: From baskets, chairs, mirrors, to trays, chic bamboo and cane handicrafts are widely available and are also sustainable. These products are typically made using traditional techniques passed down through generations, contributing to the preservation of local crafts.

8. Minimalism

For anybody who is into sustainable home decor, minimalism is the core idea that forms its basis. By simplifying your decor and focusing on quality over quantity, you reduce the demand for mass-produced goods, decrease waste, and create a more thoughtful living space.

• Investment pieces: Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that will last for years, if not decades. This approach will be cost-effective in the long run, while simultaneously reducing your environmental impact by lowering the need for replacements every few days.

 Sustainable home decor is about making eco-friendly choices & cultivating a lifestyle that values the environment, local craftsmanship, and consuming  products consciously. By using  sustainable materials, supporting local artisans, and making well thought-out choices about what you bring into your home, you can create a beautiful and functional space that reflects your commitment to a greener future. In Bangladesh, sustainable home decor offers a unique opportunity to combine cultural heritage with modern eco-consciousness. So, whether you’re designing a new home or simply updating your living space, consider making sustainability an integral part of your home or interior decor.