We have a growing concern for our planet. We produce a lot of waste as a species. And leave a lot of materials that can’t be composted behind us. And that’s normal. We needed to grow and expand beyond our capacities and capabilities. So we did! We used our resources little by little, and over time, those resources couldn’t keep up with the demand. All this has happened in the last two centuries, raising the question of what we used as a species to make our homes. Those natural materials are what we call ‘ eco-friendly’. It’s a broad term, but it all comes down to non-toxic materials that can decompose over time. They keep the environment clean and safe. All you need to know is what those materials are for your next big home renovation.
Using The Same Wood
Old wood can be used again. It doesn’t have to be thrown away. To use it again for the house is one sustainable option. Old wood from factories and barns, different structures that are no longer used. This old wood is great for the floors, furniture, and all other wooden components in and around the house. It’s safe and durable, and fewer trees need to be cut down. Even staircases can be made from reclaimed wood, as seen at Stair Crazy. Wood is a disposable material we take for granted. In a few decades, it will be considered a luxury to have anything made from wood. Its beauty and timelessness are part of the appeal. With billions of people on this planet and just so much forest, we can cut it down and use it; it’s a good way to keep our surroundings safe. This ‘ re-used’ would have a special appeal, and it’s authentic and has a story behind it.
Panda’s Favorite
While talking about trees, pandas’ favorite food is more than a source of nutrition for them. Bamboo is a good material to work with, and in terms of sustainability, it grows fast and doesn’t require much. It’s a perfect alternative and is often overlooked. It’s the same, wood or bamboo, with bamboo growing faster than trees. You can make a nice deck in your backyard for great events with friends. But it’s important to look for a good contractor who knows the job well. You can take a look at VoyagerExteriors.com or any other company that offers such services and is reliable. It’s better to have someone do the job the first time right than to do it twice. A nice wooden deck with bamboo elements, a nice grill, and a good small bar made from bamboo. What else does a man need in life?
Scrap Metal Is Not Junk
Metal, like many ores deep within the Earth, is scarce. It’s not something that can eventually regrow like trees. It came from outer space, and what we have of it right now is what we’ll have in the future. But metal is versatile; it can be reused, and it’s not junk. Most of the metal we use and have is recyclable. Copper, aluminum, and steel all have specific properties, and their use can vary. It’s prone to corrosion over time, that’s sure, but with a bit of modern machinery, it can be made into something useful again.
Pop a Bottle of Wine
Cork, made from the bark of cork oak trees, is great for floors and furniture. We think of it as the seal of a nice and old bottle of wine. But its versatility exceeds this humble use. With a similar versatility to any wood, it’s one of those options on this list. It’s good against mold, and it is also used in the music industry because of its soundproof qualities.
Glass
A long time ago, the legendary German brewery Heineken made square glass bottles of their beverage, an initiative to help house building in developing countries. An ingenious idea, showing the many uses and re-uses of glass. In today’s context of a modern home, glass is more for the interior than the exterior. Counterparts can be made from glass, tiles for floors or bathrooms, and kitchens, or decorative sculptures for the backyard. Heineken was not the first to recognize the potential of this durable material.
Fresher Air
The paint we usually use for the kids’ bedroom has a lot of toxins that contaminate the air. A better alternative is bio-based paints; they’re safer for everyone. And it’s better than using conventional paint.
Re-use; it has a certain sound to it. But people often neglect its potential and what it can achieve. What we think of as junk can be more, better, and safer for the planet.
