As I write this instrumental music is playing softly in the background, Leaves rustle casting shadows on the wall, and birds sing louder than cars. I am grateful for these moments, but having spent most of my life living in major city centers I know it is not always possible to spend the day with one foot physically in nature.
Last week's post defined biophilia and the importance of connecting with nature for our well being. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the average person spends approximately 90% of their time indoors, both at home and work. So let's discover ways to create the essence of nature in our built environment without breaking the bank.
Plants are a great way to bring nature into any space. Live plants provide added benefits by nurturing them as they filter your air. If that sounds like too much work, high quality artificial options will bring a smile to your face. Wishing you could have a living wall in your home, but don't have the space? Layer plants with a floor pot, table top or shelf and hanging baskets.
Natural sunlight feels great on your skin. Protect yourself from glare with UV window shades or sheers for soft filtered light that won't hurt your eyes. No windows in sight, add a desk lamp to mimic the warm glow of natural day light. Light therapy lamps are especially useful as the days get shorter.
Think tactile. Touch is important so look for natural fibers for area rugs, throw pillows, drapery, placemats and napkins to add texture to your home.
Water is an essential natural element. Can't afford to renovate for a spa like bathroom? Use soothing blues on walls and fabrics. Still feeling blue? Fish tanks or aquarium screen savers work too.
Nature is full of color, neutrals found in sand dunes and stones, reds and oranges of your favorite sunset or fall foliage, blues reminding you of a weekend at the lake and greens of your favorite hiking trail. Color your home to recreate your favorite warm or cool palette.
Nature evolves. Choose finishes that age with beauty such as a coppers patina, aged brick, worn leather or wood banisters darkened by years human hands sliding down it.
We don't all have fireplaces in our homes, but an arrangement of candles can be the next best thing. Worried about open flames? Battery operated candles come in all shapes and sizes.
Nature isn't perfect and you don't need to be either. Mis-match furniture, pick a common element and have fun.
Look for organic shapes, patterns and details found throughout nature and introduce some in your home. Don't like too much pattern? Keep colors neutral to offset.
Repurpose a material or item. Tables made of reclaimed wood or hang grandma's old rolling pin on the wall to warm up your kitchen.
Think about your favorite childhood memory, trip or someplace still on your bucket list and add elements to your home to transport you. Stuck for ideas, leave a comment below or email us and we can help you create a corner of nature in your home.
Savvy
We may receive a small commission from links in this post, but we think these companies are worth sharing.
Inspiring Reads - 
Fund literacy and protect the planet when you buy books from Certified B Corporation, Better World Books. We hope the books mentioned below inspire your journey.
In Case You Missed It - 
VIVAIA offers a wide selection of comfortable, stylish women's shoes that are eco-friendly and zero waste by using upcycled materials and 3D technology. Plastic bottles are recycled to make thread, wool comes from happy sheep, infused herbs neutralize insole odors, carbon-free outsoles, simple packaging from recycled cardboard and a commitment to audit and monitor factory conditions for fair, safe employee first working conditions using renewable energy. Flats are machine washable, heeled shoes hand washing recommended. Click on your personal style and step into conscious comfort.
Santicler manufactures beautiful, easy to care for women's apparel, made with nontoxic materials from renewable resources for the lowest environmental impact . Committed to social responsibility, material ethically sourced and zero waste processes. Packaging is recycled or biodegradable materials without compromising on quality. As summer winds down we encourage you to jump to their site and get ready for cooler weather with soft, luxurious apparel and accessories. Shop Santicler products.
East Fork Pottery takes a stand for social equality. Partnering with community outreach organizations to stretch outside their comfort zone; paying employees a living wage, they are now working towards increasing wages to a family living wage. Receiving Carbon Neutral Certification and B Corporation Certification has inspired them to make even greater changes. East Fork's About Page was part of our inspiration for starting The Savvy Elephant. AND we haven't even touched on how stunning and beautiful their pottery is! See for yourself by clicking through to the East Fork Website.
Want More
Leave a comment below, or drop us a line if you have a question or want us to look into a topic you think will interest The Savvy Elephant community.