A Guide to the Most Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainability is the word of the moment. It’s in all the headlines, and it’s on everyone’s mind. As the impacts of mankind’s industry on the environment become clearer and ever more visible, there’s an evident, pressing need for companies, governments, and individuals to make more sustainable, eco-friendly choices.

And one of the best ways to start is to reshape the way we think about materials.

What Does Eco-Friendly Material Mean?

Eco-friendly or sustainable materials are those that are made or sourced in a manner that is environmentally responsible and has a relatively low impact on the natural world. That doesn’t necessarily mean that these materials are completely natural and have no effect on Mother Nature, but that they’re generally a lot kinder than the alternatives.

Why Are Sustainable Materials Important?

Sustainable materials are increasingly important as we begin to see how our use of certain materials is harming the world. Many traditional materials contribute to pollution, climate change, and the destruction of ecosystems, and some of them are finite, meaning that we will run out eventually. Sustainable materials offer a better and more environmentally-friendly option.

Eco-Friendly Textiles and Fabrics

So, what are some examples of eco-friendly materials? Well, there are plenty of them out there, and many are just as versatile and useful as the traditional options, with the added benefit of being a lot kinder to the planet. Here are some examples of environmentally-friendly textiles and fabrics, used for clothing, fibers, and more:

Cotton

When it comes to sustainable fabrics, cotton is often the No. 1 item on the list, and it’s not hard to see why. When grown responsibly and organically, cotton is without a doubt one of the best sustainable fabrics. It uses over 60% less energy and close to 90% less water when grown organically, and it’s perfect for all sorts of clothing, bedding, blankets, and more.

Bamboo

Bamboo is another miraculous natural resource we can use as a material in various industries. One of the best things about it is that you can effectively harvest bamboo without killing the plant, and each plant renews really quickly, providing a rapidly replenishing supply of material for construction, furniture, food, fabrics, and more.

Cork

When most people think of cork, they think of wine bottles or pinboards. But in actual fact, cork has so many more uses than that! It comes from the cork oak tree, and those trees are great at soaking up carbon dioxide from the air, which can help to counter some of the effects of climate change, while also supporting the development of healthy ecosystems.

Hemp

Hemp is one of the most sustainable fabric options on the planet today. It’s super easy to grow, even with low levels of water, and it doesn’t need pesticides to thrive. Of course, this plant has some undeserved stigma due to its associations with cannabis, but when you understand the difference between hemp and marijuana, it’s easy to see that hemp is completely safe to work with.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives in Consumer Products

There are many everyday consumer products that now exist in eco-friendly versions. Using these products can help everyone make a difference and contribute in their own small way to helping the planet.

Plant-Based Cleaning Products

As the name suggests, plant-based cleaning products are derived from natural, plant ingredients, making them much kinder to nature compared to chemical-rich cleaning solutions which can poison ecosystems.

Organic Beauty Products

We’re also seeing a rise in organic, natural cosmetic products that harness the power of natural ingredients to promote skincare and beauty. CBD skin care products are a popular example of this, as well as botanical beauty creams.

Ingredients Sourced from Plants

There are many other ways in which everyday people can add plant-based products and ingredients into their lives. From organic cotton bedsheets to vegan tattoos, the list goes on and on.

Sustainable Packaging Materials

Packaging is one of the biggest contributors to waste, with so much material being used up and tossed away to package and ship products. Fortunately, eco-friendly alternatives are now available, like recyclable and biodegradable packaging.

Sustainable Outdoor Solutions 

Even outside the home, the eco-friendly options continue.

Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Many landscaping specialists now offer eco-friendly or sustainably-oriented services, using the power of plants and yard design to give back to nature and support local wildlife.

Sustainable Outdoor Lighting

Many homeowners enjoy outdoor lighting devices to brighten up their backyards. Sustainable solar lamps are a great option for lighting a yard without having to rely on electricity.

Water Conservation

There are also more water conservation systems than ever, from rainwater collection barrels to efficient drip irrigation systems.

Conclusion

It’s clear to see that sustainable solutions are needed to fight back against climate change and protect the world for future generations. And, with so many sustainable, eco-friendly materials and products to choose from, living a green life is gradually becoming much easier and more accessible for all.