The year is 2022, and the world is in crisis. Climate change is real, and it is here.
The consequences of climate change are bleak.
Sea levels are rising due to melting polar ice caps and warming oceans, potentially displacing millions of people and creating climate refugees.
All over the world, extreme weather has been reported. The worst wildfire in history was the Australian fire in 2020, while the worst fire season in British Columbia and California was reported in 2021.
Climate change is ravaging out of control, costing trillions of dollars in damage and inflicting unfortunate loss of life.
It is now more important than ever to be conscious consumers and be aware of the social and environmental impact of our choices.
Not only will the environment thank you for it, but your body will too.
Traditional furniture and clothing often contain harmful chemicals and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). These can release toxic fumes into the air and cause health problems.
Sustainable products, on the other hand, are made with non-toxic finishes and materials that won't release harmful fumes, making them safer for your home and family.
Whenever possible, opt for sustainable materials! Together, we can make a difference and be kinder to our planet.
Here is a guide on some of the sustainable materials available in the market today.
Natural and Compostable
Bamboo
Bamboo is a sustainable material because it grows quickly and does not require pesticides or fertilizers. It also sequesters carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.
Bamboo is one of the most popular eco-friendly sustainable materials used in today's market. It is produced from a rapidly renewable resource and cultivated with little to no chemical pesticides or fertilizers used.
Bamboo is a grass and can be harvested after three years of growth and can grow up to an average of three feet per day. It is very easily renewable and grows back even more quickly than cotton!
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of bamboo inhibits the spread of bacteria and makes it an excellent fabric for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
Loofah
Loofah is a gourd family plant with a similar shape to a cucumber. Loofah can be harvested and eaten when it’s still very tender.
Matured loofah is very fibrous and mostly used as sponges or natural exfoliators. Loofah fibers can also be ingested for medicinal purposes. It has been known to cure colds and reduce menstrual cramps.
Rinse your loofah after each use to prevent a build-up of bacteria. Occasionally disinfect loofah by soaking it in antiseptic and water solution and dispose of any mold-ridden loofah immediately. To add an extra twist, you can use essential oils to deter bacteria growth.
Wood
Wood is sourced from tree branches, trunks, and roots, wood logs from felled trees. They are used to produce all kinds of wooden items from furniture to kitchenware.
When sourcing wood, only use wood that has been certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). This ensures the wood was harvested in an environmentally sustainable way.
Wood is great for sound and echo absorption, aesthetically pleasing, and a durable material. Be wary of pests like termites, especially in humid climates, and clean the surface regularly to prevent mold.
Recycling wood is excellent for the environment because it reduces the feeling of new trees. Waste wood can be shredded and used as poultry bedding or left to decompose. Sending waste wood to landfills should be the last option.
Cotton
Cotton is the most popular fabric made from staple fiber extracted from the cotton plant. The cottonseed is used to produce cottonseed oil which is healthy for the skin and health, while the cotton fiber is a soft, breathable material with high absorbency.
Durable and breathable, cotton is a hardy, high-absorbency material that can be worn for many years. Keep the moths away and don’t wash bright and dark colors together or they might bleed.
Discarded cotton can be re-purposed into garment or towel production. Organic cotton compost is great for water retention when mixed with the planting soil!
Linen
The linen fabric is a textile spun from flax. Linen is almost identical to cotton but dries faster.
Breathable and cooling, linen is an excellent choice for hotter and more humid climates.
Linen is used in producing apparel, beddings, homeware, and canvas for painting. In addition, linen production is sustainable and eco-friendly. Flax plants need little water and a minimal amount of pesticides.
Linen is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for folks with allergies or sensitive skin. The natural moisture-resistant properties of the fabric make it hard for bacteria to breed.
Linen should be washed with mild detergent and air-dried. It wrinkles often, so if you need to iron your linen, iron when it’s damp and from the inside out.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by bees. Beeswax has air purifying properties and is great for aromatherapy.
Beeswax is environmentally friendly because it is a natural product that comes from bees. It is also a renewable resource since bees can produce wax again and again.
Store your beeswax blocks at room temperature and don’t open them until you are ready to use.
Natural unadulterated beeswax can last for centuries if properly preserved. Beeswax can be recycled in beeswax recycling companies, or you can melt beeswax and remold it.
Shear Wool
Shear wool comes from sheep wool. If in an ethical wool farm, shear wool is sustainable because the sheep are not harmed in the shearing process.
In fact, the fleece actually grows back thicker and warmer each time it's sheared. An eco-friendly, natural fabric, wool is frequently used to provide warmth.
Wool doesn’t have to be washed as often as other fabrics. Just keep it away from smoke or any foul odors, and use cedar chips to prevent moths from eating the fabric.
Stone
Stones are natural products with no harmful or toxic chemicals, the original green building materials used for sustainable and eco-friendly countertops.
Stones are used for buildings, tile production, ornaments, flood control, and many other versatile uses.
Abundant in varieties, stone is durable and can last long periods. While stones are not biodegradable, they can be reused. For example, demolished buildings can be used for backfill, construction, or trail development.
Clay
Clay is a harmless raw material, and its extraction process has minimal impact on the environment. In addition, it can be recycled easily and used to produce a variety of products.
With high thermal performance, clay houses are cool in the summer and hot in the winter because clay absorbs heat in summer and releases heat when the climate becomes cold.
Cracked air dry clay products can be fixed by reinforcing any surfaces with a clay mixture. Except for fired clay, clay can be recycled and remolded. Old clay or residues can be broken and soaked in water for reuse. Although fired clay is not recyclable, it can be broken and used as a stepping stone or backfill.
Coconut
You can use every part of the versatile coconut tree. The leaves are used to make brooms and weave baskets or building of thatched houses, the husk and shells are used as fuels, the flesh is used in producing coconut milk, and oil.
Coconut oil is healthy for the skin and hair while coconut flesh is used for coconut meals, milk, and flour.
Shelled coconuts should be stored at room temperature. Coconut will go rancid if it’s not properly stored.
Cork
Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oat trees. Harvesting cork does not harm the tree, the bark regrows, and it’s environmentally friendly: cork is an insulating material, and it helps the oat tree withstand forest fires. In addition, cork trees reduce their carbon footprint and produce substantial oxygen.
Pros and Cons of Compostable Materials
There is a multitude of reasons why you should use compostable materials. They reduce the amount of waste clogging our landfills, improve the soil quality, and are made of natural materials that won’t harm the environment.
Of course, nothing is perfect. Some compostable materials are that they can be expensive, and they may not break down quickly enough to be useful in a composting system.
Product Afterlife - How To Compost
As much as you try to prolong the lifespan of your dear possessions, sometimes the time has to come where you need to retire them.
Fret not! Compostable products are biodegradable and will not take up space in our overloaded landfills.
There are many ways to compost, but the most popular way is to use a compost bin. You can either make your own compost bin or buy one.
There are a few things you'll need to get started composting: a compost bin, some soil, and some compostable materials.
To start composting, you'll need to put about 3-4 inches of soil in the bottom of your compost bin. Then, add your compostable materials. The best way to do this is to layer them: add a layer of green materials, then a layer of brown materials, then another layer of green materials, and so on.
Your compost will start to form once the materials have been added. You'll know it's ready when the material has turned into a dark, earthy-smelling substance. Now you have some primo soil that any plant would love!
Final Thoughts
So what makes a material sustainable? It’s not just about the resources used to make it, but also how long it lasts, how easy it is to recycle or reuse, and whether harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing process.
From bamboo to linen, there are plenty of options available that will help you green your home without sacrificing style or comfort. Stay tuned for part II, where we will tackle the recyclable like stainless steel and silicone!