Low Waste Bedroom: Tips to Sustainably Redecorate

With so much time spent at home, you might have considered a home décor update. New furniture, pillows, blankets may seem tempting, but before you jump into the throws of decoration, check out these tips to keep your home updated, low waste and planet-friendly.

How Much Waste Is Produced From Furniture?

With any decor update, you typically start with the largest items in the room, which tend to be furniture. Furniture waste in the U.S. is a huge problem, as these bulky items are hard to sustainably dispose of. In 2018, over 9 million tons of furniture were wasted in the U.S. alone! That’s everything from mattresses to bed frames, that can end up in a landfill. Unfortunately, furniture isn’t all that goes to waste. Sheets, towels, and other bedding are also a large source of waste. In 2018, over 1000 tons of waste from sheets, towels and other bedding were sent to landfills. So, how can you get your dream home makeover without contributing to landfill waste? We have some tips to help you have a chic and green home.

How Can I Keep My Bedroom Low Waste?

The first thing to tackle is the bed. From the frame, to the sheets, to blankets and duvets, there is a lot of potential for waste. But there are some ways that you can find bedding that’s better for the planet!

Low Waste Bed Frames

Once you’ve got your bedding sorted out, it’s time to choose a bed frame. Bed frames are big, bulky and can be hard to dispose of. Before you get ready to dispose, try offering your old frame on marketplaces or check with the manufacturer to see if they can help you recycle your frame. Some places like IKEA offer recycling services! When it’s time for a new frame, look for metal or wood frames that are easier to recycle. To save money and waste, check out online marketplaces like OfferUp and AptDeco before buying a new piece of furniture.

Low Waste Mattresses

Most mattresses and mattress toppers are made with synthetic materials that are hard to dispose of. The good news is, most mattresses last a long time, and with proper care, they should last up to 10 years! But when it’s time for an upgrade, there are some more sustainable options. Look for mattresses and toppers that use natural or organic materials. Avocado mattresses are a popular choice for organic mattresses. Before you get ready to make the switch, check if your area offers a recycling program. Some cities and towns can help you recycle or donate your mattress, so it doesn’t end up in a landfill.

Low Waste Bedding

Try to find sheets that are made without synthetic materials. Synthetic fibers often contain plastic, which makes them hard to recycle. When we wash fabrics with plastic fibers, those can wash down the drain as microplastics, which can harm our waterways and oceans. Skip the synthetic sheets, and opt for natural fibers instead, like cotton and cotton, and plant based fibers like those from Buffy.

For more information on keeping your whole home low waste, check out these tips for your workspace , bathroom and kitchen.