With this net zero decade set to be decisive in our fight against climate change, decorating our homes stylishly whilst also seeking more conscientious ways to reduce the impact our hard-to-give-up aesthetic desires have on the planet can seem like an impossible task.

Yet, take heart as there really is a way to style and save the world. Welcome to the many feel-good joys and benefits of sourcing your next style statement at auction.

Whether searching for a piece of jewellery, furniture, or a work of art, this surprisingly compelling buying experience is one of the best ways to ensure that you not only discover brilliantly original pieces to suit your needs beautifully, but also help to save the planet too.

Antique Furniture vs Modern Furniture

A recent study commissioned by the International Antiques and Collectors Fairs (IACF) found that the carbon footprint of a modern chest of drawers is 16 times higher than that of its antique equivalent.

Antique Jewellery vs Modern Jewellery

And it's not just choosing to buy antique furniture that can reduce the environmental impact of our purchases, as Dreweatts International Head of Jewellery, Silver and Watches, James Nicholson explains:

"By purchasing estate, period and antique jewellery, you know you're not contributing to modern deep mining, extraction, pollution and damage to the environment, or to the exploitation of local workforces with dangerous working practices."

Antiques have a better story

Buying vintage or antique also results in owning an item with a far richer history, longer life expectancy, a greater return on investment and more style and originality to outlive any modern counterpart or trend.

Antiques are affordable

Contrary to many assumptions, antiques don't have to be expensive. In fact, you can pick up sensational pieces at auction to suit the decor and style of your home for less than the modern equivalent.

Remain to be convinced? How about never wasting another day of your life having to grapple with flat-pack or self-assembly instructions again?

To help woo you to the greener side, the specialists at Dreweatts have selected a few tantalising pieces from their March auctions. Whether seasoned or new to it all, buying or selling, their knowledgable specialists are on hand to guide you effortlessly through the auction experience.

View the Berkshire Living article here.