Mets Wood's new building products offer a lower CO2 footprint

According to Metsä Wood, construction creates an estimated 30% of all CO2 emissions and uses up to 50% of the world’s resources. The standard use of concrete is cost-effective, but it produces a high amount of carbon dioxide. Wood is the best environmental choice because of its capacity to capture carbon. However, innovations haven’t yet found a way to make wood work for every application. So, a Finnish company created a hybrid sandwich wall element that replaces half the required concrete for more sustainable construction practices. 

“Around 1 million square metres of concrete wall elements are produced annually in Finland. Their load-bearing core creates 45,000 tons of CO2 emissions. If all concrete walls were replaced with hybrid sandwich wall elements, CO2 emissions would decrease by 30,000 tons a year and 95,000 tons of carbon would be stored,” Jussi Björman, Director of Business Construction at Metsä Wood, explained.

Related: Minimalist, low-carbon home features local wood and recycled concrete

Metsä Wood partnered with Finnish design companies to develop and manufacture the product, which can be used in residential, office or industrial multi-story buildings. 

“The hybrid sandwich wall element helps to increase the share of wood to build more sustainable buildings efficiently. This joint development is our effort to support the construction industry,” said Björman.

The innovation combines concrete with Kerto® LVL (laminated veneer lumber), and the material is lighter than concrete for easy installation. The Hybrid Sandwich Wall also offers a higher insulation value for improved energy efficiency in the building. 

“As Kerto LVL is a light material, the hybrid sandwich wall elements will be faster to produce at the factory and transport to the site, and even the transport emissions will decrease due to the light load. The light elements are also easier to lift,” said Björman.

Kerto® LVL can be used in joists, beams, trusses, frames, scaffolding, floors, ceilings, forms for concrete work and industrial applications. Metsä Fibre’s new Rauma sawmill is the first construction project where the hybrid sandwich wall elements will be used. Skanska is the main constructor of the mill project. The elements will be produced at Lipa-Betoni’s factory in Pieksämäki, Finland and installed in June.

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Nuven vegan sneakers are made of recycled balloons

The conventional shoe industry relies heavily on plastics and animal leathers, but the newest focus within the industry is on selecting animal- and Earth-friendly materials to create vegan shoes. One such shoe brand, Undo for Tomorrow, recently released Nuven, a vegan sneaker partially made from recycled party balloons along with other sustainable materials.

Undo for Tomorrow was born in 2018 in Rio de Janeiro and has since moved its home base to Lisbon. However, the company still bases manufacturing in Brazil and works with a fair-trade factory that shares its values. “Our partner is a family-owned factory incredibly strong on environmental responsibilities and human and social rights, with good working conditions and wages. They invest in state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, using only high-quality materials, supplied mostly within the Brazilian domestic market itself.”

Related: So iLL and Jason Momoa team up on vegan shoe line

The Nuven line of sneakers is gender-neutral and available in four colorways: vanilla rainbow, desert camel, dark gray and black bird. The company describes the sneakers as lightweight yet durable for a long lifecycle. From the inside out, the shoes are vegan, incorporating recycled and natural materials with a weatherproof coating to keep feet dry in all types of weather.

The inner lining is made from fast-growing and sustainable bamboo fibers. Because bamboo is naturally antibacterial, it fights odors while absorbing moisture. The insole is made using castor oil, a natural oil extracted from seeds as an alternative to petroleum. Castor oil is also biodegradable, unlike plastic alternatives.

Nuven’s uppers are made out of vegan suede, which is created from recycled plastic bottles. For the bottom of the shoe, the midsole is made up of partially recycled “smoothfoam” that offers cushion, flexibility and support. Finally, the outsole is constructed using discarded party balloons and leftover tire pieces. This combination offers a slip-resistant and colorful sole.

The Nuven line launched via crowdsourcing and was fully funded shortly after debuting on IndieGogo. The timeline on the campaign shows an expected manufacturing date in June with the first customer shipments in August 2021.

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New Blowfish Malibu shoe collection uses recycled plastic bottles

According to Blowfish Malibu, a shoe brand based out of (you guessed it) Malibu, California, around 300 million pairs of shoes end up in landfills every year. Most of those are petroleum-based and made with virgin materials, contributing to waste in the ocean. Even Blowfish Malibu was contributing to the problem until it decided to change its ways. Now the company is introducing a shoe collection that uses recycled plastic bottles as a main ingredient. 

The 4Earth shoe collection is a line made up of the brand’s iconic Southern California-infused styles. What you can’t see with the trendy yet casual footwear is that the upper portion of each shoe is made from material developed by recycling plastic.

Related: Bro.do x Mylea Better Shoes are made from mushroom leather

It’s not a new process and many businesses are picking up on the fact that giving new and useful life to wasteful single-use plastic water bottles is good for the business, the environment, and the customer. First, bottles are collected, sorted, and washed. Then they are dried and shredded into flakes before being melted and pressed into pellet form. The pellets are then spun into thread and woven into the fabric that becomes the main material in the 4Earth lineup. 

For their initial effort at decreasing their footprint on the planet, Blowfish Malibu has recently released the Play4Earth Sneaker, which is a casual lace-free design with distressed edges. Second in the lineup is the Balla4Earth Wedge Sandal, available in six colors and featuring a side zipper, ankle buckle, and ½-inch heel. Also in the collection is the Marley4Earth-K slide-on sneaker in several fabric options. 

Shop Blowfish Malibu on Amazon

With their newfound dedication to cleaner water and less pollution, Blowfish Malibu has vowed to donate $1 of each pair sold towards Oceana, an international advocacy organization committed to ocean conservation. The company has also eliminated the plastic bags from packaging and are converting to low-waste and recycled materials for shipping. The shoes are widely available at major retailers such as Amazon, Famous Footwear, Zappos, and Shoe Carnival. They are also sold in many regional brick and mortar locations.

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Loci vegan shoes give back to animal conservation efforts

When it comes to sustainability, typical shoes miss all the marks. Loaded with virgin petroleum-based materials and requiring generations to break down in the landfill, shoes are a significant source of waste. But shoe brand Loci is dedicated to changing that with a line of sneakers that are made from recycled materials and are proudly vegan.

Not only does Loci avoid animal-derived products in the making of its shoes, but the business is also dedicated to “protecting and conserving sea life.” To meet this mission, Loci has a program called Buy One, Save One in which it donates 10% of profits to nonprofit organizations that work to protect marine animals.

Related: CLAE launches vegan cactus leather sneakers

Each pair of Loci sneakers is handmade in Portugal. The plant-based bamboo lining is soft and light yet strong and breathable. Bamboo is a fast-growing and sustainable material option. Another plant-based material, cork, is used for the insoles and midsoles. Cork is harvested from the outside of the tree, prevalent in Portugal, without harming or cutting the tree down. Plus, cork is soft for comfortable support, and it’s naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial.

Loci’s vegan sneakers are rounded out with the use of recycled ocean plastic, sourced from the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast of Africa. This material selection results in a water-resistant upper to keep your feet dry. The sole of each shoe is made from recycled rubber for a no-slip stride along with further water protection.

Loci works with similarly minded, local artisans to obtain quality craftsmanship intended to keep shoes out of the landfill for as long as possible.

These vegan shoes are available for everyone in an assortment of colors and sizes. Not only are they made with consideration for animals and the planet, they are stylish and chic, as seen in the collaboration with actress Nikki Reed for the vegan Reed and Loci line.

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The best Father's Day gifts for eco-minded dads

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Dad will find pleasure in seemingly simple items he didn’t even know he needed or wanted. Even better, with an increasing number of companies doing their part in looking out for the environment, it’s easier than ever to find a gift that’s perfect for Dad and also eco-friendly. Here are our top picks for sustainable Father’s Day gifts.

Bamboo and glass food containers

Help Dad move away from petroleum-based food storage containers with a set made from sustainable glass and fast-growing bamboo. Glass won’t absorb stains or odors, and the bamboo lids double as a small cutting board for vegetables or cheese. These containers can replace sandwich bags and freezer bags, too.

Buy glass food containers on Amazon

Aldo Reid sneakers

These trendy sneakers are versatile enough to wear to more formal events or casual backyard barbecues, and they are an eco-friendly option made from a 50/50 mixture of virgin thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and algae biomass. Algae is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet that naturally filters ocean water and retains CO2.

Find Aldo’s eco-friendly sneakers on Amazon

Bamboo weighted blanket

This Pine&River weighted blanket will keep Dad cozy and comfortable. Bamboo offers a cool touch to help regulate body temperature for hot sleepers or uncomfortably hot nights. Bamboo is also a sustainable material option because it requires no fertilizer, pesticides or replanting. It also requires less water to grow than cotton. It’s available in two weight options and is machine-washable.

Bamboo weighted blanket – buy now on Amazon

Vegan leather wallet

No animals were harmed in the making of this ubiquitous Father’s Day gift. Wallets are popular for a reason — they’re something Dad uses nearly every day. But it’s a necessity that could use an update, so with a faux-leather option, you can gift without guilt. Opt for one with an extra safety feature in the form of RFID-blocking technology, which helps protect valuable information on credit and identification cards.

Vegan leather wallet – buy now

Organic seasoning set

If your dad’s station is at the grill, he’ll enjoy mixing up new recipes with the different flavors offered in a gift pack of seasonings. The FreshJax gift set has seven combinations to choose from, including keto and hot & spicy, or take a culinary tour with Taste the World flavors. Plus, your purchase supports a small business that gives back through the FreshJax Campaign To End Childhood Hunger, and all ingredients are organically grown.

Seasoning sets – buy now

DIY hot sauce kit

Many dads love to get creative in the kitchen, constantly experimenting with different hot sauces on eggs, meats and anything else they’re served. If that sounds like your dad, choose a gift set that allows him to make and bottle his own hot sauces. The set from DIY Gift Kits Store includes 5th generation heirloom peppers. The all-natural and GMO-free spice blends give Dad a variety of ways to spice up his favorite foods.

DIY hot sauce kit – buy now

Organic cotton shirts

These organic shirts keep pesticides and other toxic chemicals out of the atmosphere, water and soil. The long-sleeve shirts come in three color options. Econscious said the clothing is made in factories that “share our commitment to manufacturing quality products and providing a safe and healthy working environment for their employees.”

Organic long-sleeve shirts – buy now

Glass and wood decor

With a touch of class and a bit of nature, Cohasset Gifts creates pieces that will make a statement. The materials are natural and recycled for a minimal environmental impact. This décor can double as a planter for air plants or succulents, which are notoriously low-maintenance.

Natural décor – buy now

Recycled cocktail glass

The only thing better than a fresh cocktail is one served in a glass made from recycled materials. This set of six, 14-ounce glasses are hand-blown by artisans Javier and Efren. The company, based in Mexico, is certified fair-trade and comes with a NOVICA story card certifying quality & authenticity. Because each piece is handmade, the variations speak to the traditional process.

Cocktail glasses – buy now

Reusable lunch tote

Whether lunch is at the office or the construction site, Dad can use this lunch tote again and again. While it’s much more mature than a superhero lunchbox, it retains a whimsical appeal with the look of a refined sack lunch. Unlike paper bags, however, this lunch tote is made from a waxed canvas that is durable and water-resistant, so Dad can be toting it into retirement, where he can then take it fishing or to the golf course.

Lunch tote – buy now

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Luxury vegan silk startup sets high bar for sustainable fashion

Luxury comes in many forms but often at a significant cost to the planet. This U.S.-based company aims to make your home and pool lounging both opulent and eco-friendly with vegan silk-based products that draw attention to sustainability in material selection, manufacturing practices and post-consumer waste.

niLuu offers a stunning collection of loungewear that seamlessly doubles as swimwear coverups. Long and short robes, shorts, pants, wraps, pillowcases and even sleep masks are all made using a PETA-approved vegan silk. No silkworms are used in the products, and no animal proteins are used in production. According to the company, “To create traditional silk, over 1,000 silkworms are boiled to produce enough yarn for a single pillowcase. Additionally, and you might not even know it, materials such as bone marrow and egg yolk are used in traditional industrial fabric softeners, even for cotton fabrics.”

Related: These biodegradable sweaters ditch fast fashion in favor of sustainable cashmere

For a capsule wardrobe, the solid and print pieces can be mixed and matched, and the company’s focus on quality equates to a long lifecycle. If the articles do find their way to a landfill, they are fully biodegradable, losing half their weight in just two months.

The material, called Cupro, is the result of a long-standing relationship between material developers and manufacturers in Turkey, where the founder of niLuu, designer Nilufer Bracco, is from. She carefully selected her direct material supplier, Ipeker Tekstil, based on its history in the region as a top fabric manufacturer renowned for its sustainability efforts. As Bracco explained, “Ipeker has a 150 year old history, the majority of which in traditional silk. As a matter of fact, Ipeker means ‘Silk Men’; and it is also the last name of the family that owns the company. Interestingly, a company with such a long history in silk had actually determined that silk is not sustainable and that alternatives from a vegetarian origin should be developed.”

Ipeker’s long-standing relationship with material development company Asahi Kasei has resulted in many fabrics. “I chose to work mostly with a 100% Bemberg® fabric because it reproduces the smoothness of traditional silk best.” Bracco explained that the material offers a weight, texture and feel that exudes luxury as well as function. Cupro is a fiber derived using cotton seeds, which were previously considered a wasteful byproduct of the cotton industry.

Ipeker has also been recognized as the top sustainable company in Turkey, which adheres to an internal Blue Balance Sustainability Programme (BSOB). BSOB sets a standard for fair wages and worker safety as well as resource-saving practices. Put into action, this means low water consumption, a low carbon footprint and cruelty-free material production. The plant uses only recycled water for a closed-loop system. Ipeker has also developed a way to recycle dye waste into fresh dyes.

“We still need to ship materials and products, factories need to run using energy and resources, etc.,” Bracco said. “But our suppliers are leaders in their sustainability initiatives…Asahi produces it’s Bemberg® in a closed loop facility, ensuring there are no harmful chemicals dumped in the environment.”

In fact, Asahi acquired a LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) in 2016 and has earned certifications for INNOVHUB Biodegradability, GRS (Global Recycled Standard), Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and ISO14001, a standard that acknowledges the reduction and prevention of environmental impacts. 

The Cupro Yarn is produced in Japan in a plant with onsite energy production, and 40% of the energy consumed is renewable. The energy is derived from sources such as hydropower and biomass power generation as well as solar. All waste is captured and reprocessed, recovering solvents before they enter waterways and using waste to create energy. Exhaust heat is recycled to lower heat loss and CO2 emissions.

Knowing that no business can maintain 100% sustainability, niLuu offsets through a membership to 1% for The Planet, with a chosen nonprofit that plants trees to combat deforestation. In addition, the company donated 10% from all its revenue to the Sustainable Ocean Alliance for one month following Earth Day.

All products are designed in Miami, where the company is based. Inasmuch, the brand has a front-row seat to the impacts of climate change. As a young, vibrant company, niLuu has set its sights on creating a luxury brand without compromise for protecting the planet and workers.

To drive the message home, Bracco said, “Our quest for sustainability is the primary reason for us to be in business. We simply do not consider anything that we deem to be unsustainable. By that I mean products that are made with (1) disregard to the impact to the environment, (2) unfair labor conditions, or (3) animal cruelty. While these are our principles, we recognize we live in an imperfect world, so we like to think of sustainability as a journey and not a destination where everything is perfect.”

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