Amanda Griffin’s Guide to a Sustainable Home with SM Green Finds

For lifestyle advocate Amanda Griffin, a home is more than a collection of beautiful objects; it is the physical manifestation of one’s values. Creating a sustainable home, therefore, isn’t about chasing a trend—it’s about consciously building a sanctuary that reflects a deeper commitment to a mindful life. This principle is at the heart of initiatives like SM Green Finds, which champion meaningful consumption. “The way we furnish our homes is really a mirror of how we want to live,” she shares. “When we choose well-made, thoughtfully-sourced pieces, we choose to bring more meaning into our everyday environment.”

This philosophy is the driving force behind every aspect of her life, from her family’s vegetarianism to the design of her future residence. “I’m really excited because we have just broken ground on our forever home and sustainability is one of the drivers of the design of the house and property,” Griffin reveals. “We get to incorporate mindful sustainability from the literal ground up.”

For Griffin, this begins with embracing the warmth and honesty of natural materials, which she believes are essential in transforming a modern space into a true home.

The Energy of Natural Materials

There’s a renewed appreciation for local craftsmanship and renewable resources like bamboo and solid wood, not just for their aesthetic, but for the feeling they evoke. “I love natural materials in homes as it gives it a much warmer and homey feel,” Griffin explains. “I’m a nature girl. So, these things calm my nervous system and everyone else’s who lives in the home… When the home is a warm, cosy sanctuary you want to stay in it more.”

This calming energy, she notes, is foundational to creating a family sanctuary. By bringing elements of the outdoors in, a home becomes a space of refuge and connection.

The journey toward a sustainable home can seem daunting, but Griffin advocates for a practical, forgiving approach. The key, she insists, is a simple mindset shift: “The mindset shift is this: sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Each small step becomes a habit, and over time the small things add up and do make a difference.”

Factual accent tables made from solid wood in the Philippines—offering smart storage with warm, homey charm and a touch of Filipino culture.

Her recommended first steps are refreshingly simple: using reusable bags and water bottles, opting for glass containers over plastic, switching bulbs to energy-saving LEDs, and looking for products made with sustainable materials. This ethos extends to our sensory environment as well. Griffin avoids synthetic fragrances in favor of natural diffusers with essential oils—a simple switch that enhances a home’s atmosphere in a healthier, more organic way.

Curated Finds for a Sustainable Filipino Home

When it comes to furnishing, Griffin is drawn to pieces with a story and a promise of longevity. “For me the stories of the pieces are meaningful, a chair that’s been crafted to last or a handwoven basket that reminds you of your heritage is special,” she says. These are pieces that don’t need to be replaced, which she notes is the true key to sustainability.

While browsing the SM Green Finds collection, a curation of eco-friendly pieces from SM Home, her eye went straight to items that combined practicality with natural beauty. “I love the baskets. Basket storage is so homey and sustainable,” she notes. “They’re sturdy and they look pretty. A great combination.”

She also highlights another standout perfect for the Philippine climate: bamboo TENCEL™ bed sets. “Bamboo is sustainable because it grows quickly, without the need for much water or pesticides,” she explains. “The bedsheets are soft, moisture-wicking (good for people who might sweat), and help you feel cooler. A must for our tropical climate.”

For those looking to make an immediate, stylish update, Griffin suggests focusing on versatile pieces that celebrate local craftsmanship and natural beauty. Her go-to items include the woven abaca or rattan baskets, handmade by local artisans. These add warmth to your space and are perfect for storage. Additionally, bamboo furniture accents like stools or side tables bring a natural, airy feel. Handwoven textiles such as throws or cushion covers to add color, story, and cultural pride. Classic capiz shell lighting that creates soft, ambient light with timeless Filipino style.

Griffin’s approach proves that a sustainable home is built not from grand gestures, but from a series of small, thoughtful choices that, together, create a space that is not only beautiful but truly meaningful.

Discover how easy it is to live more sustainably. Visit The SM Store and look for the Green Finds badge at SM Home. With every thoughtful choice, you can transform your home into a space that’s not only beautiful but also kinder to the planet.

Images courtesy of SM Store.

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