In this article: Bamboo Cork felt Reclaimed wood Recycled plastics, paper, metals as well as glass
Bamboo
Where it comes from:
Found throughout Asia, Moso bamboo (used for furniture, flooring as well as accessories) is not a tree however a fast-growing turf types that can reach heights of 60 feet.
Why it’s green:
Well-managed bamboo crops take just a few years to re-grow.
Bamboo is harvested in 3-6 years compared to 15-20 years like many hardwood.
It’s biodegradable.
What to look for:
Many bamboo products utilize toxic formaldehyde adhesive so inspect for a low discharge rate of 0.3 ppm or less.
Cork
Where it comes from:
Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees in China as well as Mediterranean countries, with Portugal creating 50% of the world’s supply.
Why it’s green:
Cork is renewable. Harvested from mature trees over a 9-year cycle, the bark regenerates while the tree continues to thrive.
None of the harvested bark goes to waste.
It’s recyclable.
Cork can be grown without the requirement for harmful herbicides or fertilizers as well as needs bit water.
What to look for:
Choose top quality cork products which utilize non-toxic coatings as well as adhesives as well as include all-natural protein binders.
Felt
Where it comes from:
Felt utilized for house accessories is usally scrap carpet underlay. It can be made from 100% wool or wool mixed with synthetic or natural fibres.
Why it’s green:
Natural felt is made from wool, a renewable animal product.
It makes utilize of squander material, keeping it out of landfills.
It’s biodegradable.
What to look for:
Not all felt is eco-friendly. prevent felt that’s been bleached or heavily dyed, particularly if it’s made with polyester.
Reclaimed wood
Where it comes from:
Salvaged wood is recuperated from old buildings, factory scrap piles, lakes as well as rivers.
Why it’s green:
It reduces our reliance on standing forests.
It keeps squander from landfills.
What to look for:
Careless removal of logs from rivers as well as lakes can damage ecosystems. Certifiers like SmartWood determine wood that has been recuperated utilizing environmentally friendly practices.
Recycled plastics, paper, metals as well as glass
Where it comes from:
Industrial scrap or consumer recyclables.
Why it’s green:
Recycled products make utilize of squander materials.
They keep squander from landfills.
What to look for:
Shop around for products with a high portion of recycled or post-consumer content.