Americans are making significant eco-friendly lifestyle changes. According to data reported by the Pew Research Center, about two-thirds of surveyed respondents said they're making strides to reduce their overall carbon footprint. From driving less to recycling more, people are putting sustainable habits into practice.
People are also looking to their homes when making decisions
about sustainable living. New and innovative technologies like smart
thermostats and smart lighting systems have allowed homeowners to cut back on
energy consumption. Even the furniture found inside of our homes is becoming
safer and more sustainable.
With that in mind, here are three sustainable materials you can
use to create an eco-friendlier home.
1. Bamboo
People have been using bamboo since the Shang Dynasty, when it
was used primarily for medical, food and building purposes. Today, bamboo is
used in a variety of different ways. Widely considered a sustainable resource,
some varieties of bamboo can grow up to four feet per day without an abundance
of water, as well as without the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides and
fertilizers.
Furthermore, bamboo releases 35 percent more oxygen than
similar-sized trees, according to Scientific American. Fast-growing bamboo can
reach maturity in just seven years, whereas other species of trees can take
between 30 and 50 years. It's also said that bamboo trees help improve soil
conditions and prevent soil erosion.
At home, sustainable bamboo wood floors are increasing in popularity.
This could be because bamboo isn't just more sustainable and easier on the
environment but also more moisture resistant and even more stable than some
traditional hardwood flooring options like oak.
2. Recycled Fibers
Eco-conscious companies and designers are increasingly looking
to recycled fibers to create eco-friendly products. For example, handmade rugs
can be constructed responsibly from start to finish with recycled fibers.
And with the surge of companies committing to make the earth
healthier, consumers will continue to search for products that align with their
environmental ethos. The growing presence of both eco-conscious businesses and
consumers allows us to combat throwaway culture with quality home items that
are ethically produced.
3. Pine
Shockingly, just 8 percent of the world’s forests are protected.
Today, sustainable wood comes from sustainably managed forests. These
sustainable forest landscapes are managed in a way that prevents damage to the
watersheds, fragile ecosystems, trees and natural wildlife found in the area.
Timber woods such as pine are considered sustainable. Pine is
fast growing, which, like bamboo can be sustainably managed and harvested
because of the time it takes to mature. As a consumer, buying sustainable pine
furniture products for your home, like solid
pine bedroom sets rather than items constructed from less
sustainable materials, is just one of the ways you can be a little more
eco-conscious in your day-to-day life.
Becoming More Environmentally Conscious is
Getting Easier
Using natural products in your home is more accessible than ever
before. From recycled materials and fibers to sustainable timber and bamboo,
it's becoming more and more easy to create a beautiful, eco-conscious home with
a variety of natural materials.
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