Designer James Treble shares 5 tips to help minimise waste and recycle

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of renovations, from Pinterest boards and making new selections, James suggests you should think about the bigger picture too. “When renovating we tend to smash and throw away, making room for the new. I suggest instead to reuse as much as we can, as you can actually save a lot of time and even make some money!” Materials such as doors, windows and fireplace surrounds are frequently polished up and given new life in his projects. “Other reusable items such as bricks and lengths of timber can be easily reused, depending on how many you have you can sell them or even give them away free. By getting people to come and pick them up, you’re saving on tip fees, as well as saving you valuable time.”

Everyone loves a bargain, but sometimes that cheap item which seemed like a good deal can end up costing you more when it breaks and you have to replace it. Not to mention contributing to landfill. “The first lesson I learned is to always be aware of the products we purchase. Where do they come from, are they good quality and built to last, and are they reusable or recyclable?” Says James. 

In an age of fast information, it can leave us wanting more and more. But do we need all of these things? James suggests having few quality items, rather than an abundance of cheaper products. “I always try to buy quality over quantity as it saves money in the long run. A great example is the sheets! So many people have a linen cupboard full of cheap sheet sets. Instead, buy two really high-quality sets. As they are a good quality they will last longer, not fade as easily PLUS you’ll notice the difference when you sleep. Buying quality instead of quantity helps saves our beautiful planet at the same time.”

It pays to know what can and cannot be recycled- there are a few surprises! “Check your labels to ensure you’re purchasing items that are recyclable so they can be reused, this is extra important for packaging (especially avoiding single-use plastics) which is mostly thrown away the minute you buy something.” You can learn more about recycling and what to do with each material on the Planet Ark website.

When we need to purchase something new, try to source a sustainable version of the product. Or, bring your own packaging, bags and containers when it comes to food and groceries. There are many wonderful products out there that have already had one life and are now given another. “We must try to purchase as many items as we can that are made from recycled materials in the first place, as this creates a continuous recycled circle, meaning eventually everything will be reused and recycled over and over again.” Says James.

There’s nothing quite like the softness and warmth of carpet underfoot. To keep your carpet looking and feeling its best, a little regular care goes a long way. Just like hard flooring, carpet maintenance is mostly preventative and it helps extend the life and beauty of your flooring.

Here’s a simple guide to wool carpet care:

• Vacuum regularly – Aim for once a week with a suction-only vacuum. Avoid turbo or revolving heads, which can cause frizzing. Use light settings if using an adjustable vacuum.
• Clean spills promptly – Blot (don’t scrub!) spills with a clean cloth, working from the outer edge inwards. Always rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly to avoid sticky residue.
• Schedule professional cleaning – A periodic deep clean will refresh your carpet and remove embedded dirt.

Other tips to keep in mind:

• Place mats at entrances to reduce dirt and grit, which can wear down fibres.
• Know the difference between soiling and staining. Many “stains” are actually just dirt stuck to sugary residues.
• Avoid harsh cleaners and keep wool carpets dry.
• When in doubt, call in the professionals to treat stubborn stains safely.

With a little care, your wool carpet will stay beautiful for years to come!

What is the best type of carpet for a home?

Choosing new carpet for your home is a big decision and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every home and family are different. Do you have pets? Small children? Is your home a holiday rental? Each carpet fibre and structure lends itself to a different look and budget and you can read more about them all in our Carpet Guide.

Where can I buy carpet?

Flooring Xtra have a wide range of carpets across varying price, fibre and style categories, with stores conveniently located Australia-wide! To find your nearest Flooring Xtra store you can use our Store Finder.

What is Triexta carpet?

A Triexta carpet is stain resistant and durable, is great for those on a budget, and is fantastic in family homes and high traffic areas. Triexta is has a similar composition to polyester and is also environmentally friendly, partly derived from corn sugar.