Sustainability starts with a choice. Therefore, creating a more sustainable home starts with the materials we choose. With eco-friendly options, you not only reduce environmental impact but also build a healthier living space for yourself and your family. Whether you’re remodelling or making small changes, here are some of the best sustainable materials you can pick and introduce into your home – at whatever stage!
Hemp
Hemp is rapidly gaining popularity as a sustainable material due to its durability, breathability, and biodegradability. In the home, hemp-based textiles are excellent for upholstery, curtains, and bedding. They are naturally resistant to mould and bacteria, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.
Hempcrete, a mix of hemp fibres, lime, and water, is a sustainable alternative to concrete. It provides excellent insulation, regulates humidity, and even absorbs carbon dioxide, making it an eco-conscious option for home construction.
Mycelium
Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, is emerging as an innovative and biodegradable material. It can be used to create furniture, insulation, and even decorative elements like lampshades. Mycelium-based products are compostable, meaning they leave no lasting waste behind. With its lightweight and fire-resistant properties, mycelium is becoming a go-to material for eco-conscious designers.
Recycled or Upcycled
Recycling and upcycling play a crucial role in reducing waste. Materials like reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and repurposed metal give new life to discarded items while conserving natural resources.
Recycled glass can be transformed into stunning countertops, tiles, and vases. Repurposed metal works beautifully in light fixtures, furniture, and décor. Meanwhile, reclaimed wood is perfect for flooring, shelving, and furniture, adding character and warmth while reducing deforestation.
It’s also a good idea to think beforehand – just ask yourself one question. When the product can no longer do its job, can I still use it somehow? Repurpose it? A bath mat made from a diatomite stone is a perfect example. Not only is it the quickest drying bath mat, but also you can use it as a natural pesticide for your garden once it cannot serve the original purpose anymore.
Cork – Sustainable, Stylish, and Practical
Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming them, making it a renewable resource. It’s naturally water-resistant, anti-microbial, and sound-absorbing, making it an excellent choice for flooring, wall coverings, and even furniture. Cork’s durability ensures longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, making it an ideal renewable resource. It’s used in flooring, furniture, and textiles, like eco towels, due to its strength and versatility. Unlike traditional hardwood, bamboo regenerates quickly, making it a highly sustainable option. Opt for FSC-certified bamboo products to ensure responsible sourcing.
Low-VOC Paints
Conventional paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Low-VOC and natural clay-based paints are a safer alternative, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals while being environmentally friendly.
Why Choose Sustainable Materials?
Eco-friendly materials can help you immensely in your home; reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimising harmful emissions. Many of these materials also promote healthier indoor air quality simply because they don’t contain toxic chemicals. Sustainable choices aren’t just good for the planet – they create a stylish, durable, and comfortable living space for years to come.
