9 eco-sustainable personal care products you should own

If you’re looking for ways to clean up your personal care routine, we’ve put together a round-up of eco-minded brands for you to consider. From the sink to the shower to mental health, make some swaps in packaging, practices, ingredients and waste.

GuruNanda concentrated mouthwash

Chances are your current mouthwash comes packaged in a plastic jug. Instead of swishing a mixture made up mostly of water, clean up with GuruNanda Concentrated Mouthwash instead. Not only does it come served up in a jar that skips virgin plastics in favor of recycled materials, but the two-ounce solution is equivalent to the volume in 10, 16-ounces bottles of the other stuff. That’s because the mouthwash, which is made up of all-natural essential oils, is mixed with water a few drops at a time just before use.  

Related: This long-standing natural soap company started by accident

The smaller bottle means lower transport emissions, packaging and overall waste. It’s also convenient for travel and falls within TSA guidelines for carry on travel. The company reported, “GuruNanda Concentrated Mouthwash is formulated with seven purpose-driven, sustainably harvested, pure and natural essential oils. The product contains no alcohol, fluoride, preservatives, gluten or toxic chemicals and it is not tested on animals.”

The Gentle Barn

This one takes you out of the bathroom and into a completely different environment — one that caters to your health and involves animals.

The Gentle Barn is a non-profit animal rescue organization with the goal of providing care for injured, aging and rescued animals. Visitors can watch, pet and even hug cows for a bit of loving therapy that benefits both parties. The three locations in California, Missouri and Tennessee house around 200 animals including cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, rabbits, llamas, emus, cats, dogs and birds.

Animal lovers unite in this unique environment, that is vegan and welcoming to all creatures that need a little extra (self) care. 

Indigo Wild ZUM hand soaps

After visiting the animals at the farm or working in your own organic garden, wash up with natural ingredients, not chemicals. Indigo Wild ZUM hand soaps are made by hand with attention to clean ingredients, not just clean skin. These soaps are plant based and completely vegan.  Choose from a variety of scents for the liquid hand soap, which is made from natural olive, coconut and castor oils, aromatic essential oil blends, salt and water. Refills are available.

ZUM also makes all-natural bar soaps, if that’s more your style. Made with goat’s milk for a silky, moisturizing finish on the skin, ZUM bar soaps are available in many unique scent profiles. Also look for the brand’s body scrub, bath salts, lotions, balms and skincare items. 

MyChelle Dermaceuticals 

Protecting your skin from the damaging rays of the sun means finding products made with natural materials that are ethically sourced and ready to perform. MyChelle fits the bill with its clean skincare lineup that includes cleansers, exfoliators, serums, moisturizers and sun protection.

The company partners with TerraCycle so customers can send in all used product containers for recycling. Products are packaged in glass, cardboard or recyclable plastic. The company is also EWG Certified and collaborates with the Coral Restoration Foundation, the world’s largest non-profit marine-conservation organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs to a healthy state.

Crystal Deodorant

Free of parabens and aluminum, Crystal Deodorants roll on and offer protection for up to 24 hours. Products are cruelty free and vegan. They won’t leave those annoying white marks on your clothing and are available in several scents as well as an unscented option.

Crystal is the only natural deodorant brand to receive the prestigious Clean Label Project Purity Award for every product in the company’s line. Clean Label Project, is a nonprofit organization focused on bringing truth and transparency to consumer product labeling.

LastSwab

Ever feel a bit guilty about ditching all those single use cotton swabs? LastSwab is the solution. Replace 1,000 swabs with this sanitary, reusable option. Simply clean LastSwab with soap and water after each use and put it in its storage container, which is made from ocean-bound recycled plastic. LastSwab comes in two forms: one is for cleaning and the other is for makeup. 

LastRound

While you’re swapping out single-use items in your bathroom, toss the disposable cotton rounds in favor of this package of seven reusable makeup pads. They are made from natural materials like wood fiber and cotton and come with a convenient storage case made from recycled plastic. 

LastPad

Female personal care could also use a cleanup in the waste department. Replace the boxes and bags of tampons, plastic applicators and pads with LastPad, a washable and reusable sanitary pad. It’s available in three sizes to cover your feminine hygiene needs throughout your cycle and can be washed in the washing machine before storing in the provided case. 

Repurpose bamboo toilet paper

Stop cutting down trees for the convenience of toilet paper. Instead, use a product made from fast-growing, renewable and sustainable bamboo. It’s even wrapped in plastic-free packaging, making a statement about the company’s commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing.

Images via LastObject and Repurpose

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/KClxek9
via Inhabitat

Own less and do more with Nomadix products

Have you met Nomadix? If you’re looking for a purpose-driven company with its finger on the pulse of environmental responsibility, plus great travel towels and blankets, we’re happy to introduce you. 

Nomadix has a lot going on on the sustainability front. For starters, it is a member of 1% for the Planet and is certified climate neutral. It has partnered with The Conservation Alliance to protect lands and rivers, The Ecology Center to donate food to families facing food insecurity and help develop goals of Brave Trails. Plus, Nomadix works with the Billfish Foundation to conserve the species, and The Surfrider Foundation to support ocean protection and cleanup efforts.  

Related: This rechargeable camping headlamp is made out of sustainable wood and recycled aluminum

While the organization focuses on manufacturing useful products in a responsible way, consumers can just enjoy its flagship towels and newer blankets for use at yoga, on the beach, camping or at the park. Most well known for its sand and odor-resistant, packable and absorbent towels, the company has expanded the Original Towels product to include Bandana Towels, Ultralight Towels and Mini Towels. See our review of some products below, each of which are made with certified post-consumer recycled materials and come in a variety of design options. 

More recently, the company released its Puffer Blankets, which are lightweight and compact, yet warm and versatile. The outer layer is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester and the inner layer is comprised of recycled polyester fill. There are also festival blankets, changing ponchos and poncho towels. 

Nomadix believes consumers are looking for ways to support global sustainability efforts through their purchasing power. Therefore, the company is continuously working towards improving processes. It estimates an annual savings of 380,000,000 gallons of wastewater and over 2,800,000 KwH of energy. 

Nomadix converted its headquarters to solar power and cleaned up product and packaging materials by phasing out 90% of virgin plastic by replacing it with rPET or recycled and FSC Certified paper goods. Products arrive in compostable bags that can be added to your home composter, and cardboard boxes appropriate for curbside recycling.

In addition, it reduced air freight by 45% over the past year and has taken the required steps to become climate neutral. It explained, “Nomadix joined the growing movement of brands achieving the Climate Neutral Certified standard by measuring our 2021 greenhouse gas emissions, purchasing eligible verified carbon credits to offset that footprint, and implementing plans to reduce emissions next year and beyond. In 2021, Nomadix offset 3,892 metric tons of CO2 emissions with the help of two partner organizations, BEF and Carbonfund to support renewable energy and forestry projects.”

Nomadix Review

I’ve had some of the Nomadix products for a few months and have loved testing them out. These are high-quality products that are beautiful, functional and eco-conscious. 

Original Towel

It’s not a very creative name, but whatever you call it, it’s taken up permanent residence in my car. I wouldn’t describe this towel as lightweight, although it’s only 16 oz. I think it’s because it has such a thick and durable feel to it. The stitching is tight all the way around and it has a reinforced loop for hanging, which is just the kind of thoughtful touch that makes an item a new favorite.

With a charcoal gray-to-black colored backing and vibrant rainbow of colors on the front, I can choose which side I want to use or display. The towel measures 30” by 72.5”, but packs down to around 3.5” by 7”. This towel is a perfect match for an afternoon of camping, swimming, surfing or sunbathing. It’s quick-drying and I love that the company recommends limited washing as well as air drying to conserve energy and water. 

Ultralight Towel

Nomadix also sent its ultralight MicroSuede towel, which features a similar thickness and feel as the Original Towel, but measures a smaller 30” by 54”. I’m looking forward to taking this towel backpacking this summer with a total weight of eight ounces. Half a pound makes a big difference in the overall weight of my pack so I don’t make this decision lightly. It comes with a bag it packs into for a compressed 2.5” by 6” pack size, yet I can use it as a mat when changing my clothes or looking for a place to sit besides a stump. It can also function as an additional layer of warmth at night or around the fire. 

Puffer Blanket

Since I’ve had the products over winter I’ve gotten the most use out of this item. The Nomadix Puffer Blanket is actually three products in one. It functions as a blanket to sit on or cover up with. It also features snaps up the sides so it can be converted into a very lightweight sleeping bag or draped around the shoulders as a poncho. I keep this blanket hanging near a door in my house and grab it when I go out onto the deck for morning coffee or an evening cocktail next to the fire table. It’s the perfect additional layer.

One suggestion is to have a way to conveniently attach the bag to the blanket so they don’t get separated. Overall, this blanket is getting, and will continue to get, a ton of use in my home. It will definitely go camping with us this summer too. 

In summary, I’m thrilled with the Nomadix products. They are quality-made, versatile and clearly made with the user and the environment in mind. 

+ Nomadix

Images via Nomadix

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Nomadix. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/kwP3JTQ
via Inhabitat

Experts weigh in on how to create a sustainable home design

Sustainable home design begins with the first choices you make, from choosing plumbing fixtures to avoiding harmful chemicals and toxic materials. Inhabitat had the chance to talk to the team at PJC Architecture, based in Manhattan, about creating sustainable home design at every level of that design.

What materials or finishes do you avoid using?

Philip J. Consalvo, PJCA Founder: When selecting materials, finishes or furnitures, we try to specify products with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to reduce the exposure to off-gassing from toxic chemicals over time. We encourage the use of low-emission paint, varnishes and cleaning products that do not contain harsh chemicals. It is also recommended to air out new products, such as carpet, prior to their installation and use adhesives that are formaldehyde-free or made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

Related: How to make your home energy more efficient for a tax rebate

For bigger-scale projects, we consider environmentally-friendly materials and non-toxic siding that minimize the release of toxins at high weather temperatures. We avoid PVC, (commonly used in building materials such as pipes, flooring and vinyl siding) given that it can release toxic chemicals when exposed to heat. Instead, we try to use alternatives such as charred wood siding, a method that not only helps to preserve the cladding by maintaining its waterproofing and making it insect and fire-resistant without the need to apply protective coatings, but also provides a unique and appealing aesthetic.

How can people integrate more sustainable design choices into their home décor?

Juliana Sorzano, Associate: A sustainable interior space is largely impacted by its air quality, which directly affects the health and well-being of its occupants. There are several practices that help improve air quality, such as:

• – Bringing fresh air into an interior space, either naturally or with mechanical assistance, is essential to flush interior pollutants. This can be achieved by making sure windows are operable and avoiding the blocking pathways between opposite windows/doors to allow cross-ventilation. Cross-ventilation is one of the easiest and most common natural ventilation methods.

• – Installing HEPA air filters

• – Designating a “staging area” by the main entry as a transition space from the exterior to the interior. This helps prevent pollutants from coming indoors, contributing to a healthy indoor air quality. This is a good practice that can be incorporated [in] any home and may be achieved by having a mudroom or, if lacking the space for it, assigning a “transition” space near the entryway where shoes, coats and umbrellas are stored… a grate, grille or floor mat can catch as much dirt as possible before it’s tracked inside.

• – Incorporating vegetation into a space not only helps purify the air, but it offers psychological benefits to occupants by lowering stress and anxiety, reducing sickness and helping with concentration levels.

• – Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient lighting. LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, which can help reduce energy bills. Also, aim for bright lights during daytime to help with focus and concentration in rooms where needed (home offices and kitchens) but choose warm lights for rooms where a sense of coziness is desired (living room, dining room, bedrooms). Cool lights have a higher concentration of blue light, which suppresses the production of melatonin, negatively affecting sleeping patterns. Having artificial lighting on dimmers offers a range of ambiances, enhancing the comfort and well-being of the user.

• – Look for materials that are eco-friendly and renewable, such as bamboo, cork and reclaimed wood. Also look for recycled materials that are treated properly for performance excellence, such as countertops made from recycled glass, quartz and other minerals. If installing small portions of countertops, consider sourcing stone remnants instead of new full slabs.

• – Substitute stone for metal finishes where possible. Consider steel kitchen backsplashes. Or, where an accent stone wall is desired, substitute for aluminum panels with printed stone veining. Aluminum is eco-friendly since it can be recycled several times.

• – Source local products and materials that don’t need to travel long distances.

• – Invest in high-quality furniture, built to last. Or buy used or upcycled furniture and décor items, in a way to help reduce waste when possible.

• – Check product labels and third-party certifications, and source from reputable companies that are transparent enough to show all components of their products and that prioritize sustainable and non-toxic materials.

PJCA uses Dekton, a revolutionary counter material known as a “technical ultracompact stone.” It is made from raw materials blended together and processed using heat and pressure. This technique creates a dense, durable material that is nearly non-porous.

Tell us more about Dekton. How did you learn about this material and how does it compare to other types of counters?

Philip J. Consalvo, PJCA Founder: We found out about Dekton when it was first introduced to the market through a client, who visited a showroom and came back amazed about how scratch, stain and heat-resistant this material was. When we started reading more about this material, we were surprised about the sustainable characteristics it has.

Dekton’s finish is highly customizable and it comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, including stone and concrete finishes, making it a great substitute to marble applications. Overall, Dekton surfaces are known for being resistant to abrasion, scratch, water and stain. Their durability, strength and versatility are making them a popular choice for countertops, flooring, wall cladding and facade applications.

Dekton’s cost is lower than marble and very similar to quartz, but higher than granite. Its durability makes it cost-efficient considering its low maintenance. However, due to its hardness, it requires specialized equipment for its proper installation, which may bring costs up.

How can homeowners avoid dangerous chemicals when it comes to furnishing and decorating their homes?

Juliana Sorzano, Associate: Read product labels to check their chemical composition for flame retardants, formaldehyde and phthalates. Choose products with non-toxic or low VOC materials in items such as furniture, carpets, rugs and paint.

Look for products that have third-party certifications to demonstrate compliance with chemical emission standards and the company’s commitment to healthier indoor environments. Look for furniture and décor made from natural materials, such as bamboo, cork and teak, or natural fibers like cotton, wool or linen. Avoid synthetic materials.

Avoid products with fragrances, such as scented candles and air fresheners, as they can contain harmful chemicals.

You advocate low-flow plumbing fixtures to save water. What else do you recommend homeowners do so they can save on water usage?

Philip J. Consalvo, PJCA Founder: Besides low-flow fixtures that use less water without sacrificing performance, consider water-efficient appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers. Sensor faucets and flow restrictors can also contribute to lower water usage.

Update old plumbing to prevent leaks and add flood stop sensors, which are leak detection devices that automatically shut off the water supply.

Water plants by using a drip irrigation system to minimize water waste. Or collect and recycle gray water and rainwater for garden irrigation purposes.

What else can you recommend for integrating more sustainable choices into home design?

Juliana Sorzano, Associate: The substitution of gas stoves for electrical or induction appliances is a recently recommended strategy that helps reduce the health risks that come with this source of indoor pollution.

Temperature control helps keep a space healthy and comfortable. Heat and air conditioning systems can be hooked to thermostats that automatically turn on or off the equipment, keeping a constant temperature at home. Additionally, there are window treatments to help block the heat from direct sunlight and avoid overheating a space.

Reuse existing structures rather than opting for new construction to minimize the carbon footprint and negative impact that construction has on the environment.

When sourcing a product, find out if the company offers a take back program or buy back and resell service, a sustainable initiative that allows consumers to return a product at the end of its useful life which will then be recycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

Consider passive sustainable approaches when possible.

Make sure that for every decision you make, aim to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.

+ PJC Architecture

Lead image via Pexels

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/YgCDxEU
via Inhabitat

Wipe away germs and bacteria without chemicals and plastic

Did you know your skin and surface wipes most likely contain plastic? Ugh. Realizing this practice is unnecessary and bad for the environment, Biom set out to make a plastic-free, biodegradable option and is now growing a product line around it. 

“Biom is the world’s first refillable, biodegradable, and home compostable wipes system,” the company stated.

Although it does offer a travel pack in the ubiquitous reseal packaging found in other types of wipes, it’s primary focus is on making wipes for every surface available anywhere you need it: the car, the camping tote, the bathroom, kitchen or cafeteria. For the initial setup, customers can order a starter kit, which includes wipes and a refillable dispenser. The dispensers are available in a range of colors to match any interior design. From there, customers can order refill packs for convenient and low-waste use in the dispenser.

Related: Good Green Cleaners wipe away all unnecessary germs

Currently, the company is offering three types of wipes. The first is a biodegradable and truly flushable wipe that is septic safe, since it begins breaking down as soon as it comes into contact with water. These wipes are unscented, pH balanced and infused with a touch of aloe for use on all areas of your body. 

The second type of wipe is for use as a hand sanitizer. It is formulated to leave hands feeling moisturized rather than dry and meets CDC criteria for eliminating 99.9% of the germs we encounter day to day. They are available in scent options Eucalyptus Chill or Bergamot Bloom. The initial starter kit also has an option for a combo, which contains one refill package of each scent. 

The third type of wipe is for use on, well, everything. It’s designed to be gentle enough for kids, pets, surfaces and skin. Like the other options, this all-purpose cleaning wipe is also plastic-free, 100% plant-based and biodegradable. It’s available in lavender, grapefruit and sandal scents.

All of Biom’s wipes are home compostable, so if you haven’t started your compost pile yet, here’s some further inspiration. Products can be ordered from the company website and also found in The Container Store, as well as online at the Grove Collaborative and other retailers. 

Each blend is a little different, but in general, they are all made from natural ingredients such as water, aloe, leaf juice, essential oils, wood pulp and plant alcohols. 

Currently, the dispenser and refill packaging still contain BPA-free plastic, but the company is working towards changing that. It is testing a material that will soon enable customers to recycle the refill packaging. Travel packs packaging can be recycled after removing the small resealing flap. Biom is also digging into options for the dispenser, such as using recycled ocean plastic.

The primary obstacle is having the purchasing power for large quantities of recycled plastic pellets, a challenge that is fading as the company grows larger. For now, the goal is to keep the dispenser in use as long as possible to avoid landfill waste. The quality and durable design comes with a lifetime warranty and offers a tight seal to keep wipes moist.  

While it works towards cleaning up its packaging, Biom has partnered with rePurpose Global to “wipe out plastic waste and create recycling programs that support underdeveloped communities.” The company is taking a global view in regards to its impact saying, “Every Biom product purchased contributes to our annual commitment of removing 1.8 million single-use plastic pouches from nature and funding 50 jobs dedicated to removing plastic waste. Through our partnership with rePurpose Global, we are also Certified Plastic Neutral.”

All Biom products are vegan and cruelty-free, with zero testing on animals. Biom wipes are manufactured in the U.K. and fibers are sourced from a leading producer in Austria.

Biom product review

The company offered to send some of the newly-released Santal Natura scent all-purpose wipes and they arrived a few days later. With seven pets and three kids in the house, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to try them out. I keep one package in the car and another in a central location of the home. 

I would describe this particular scent as mildly sandalwood-ish with a hint of citrus. It’s not at all overbearing, and that’s a statement coming from someone who is extremely scent sensitive. I appreciate that I actually had to put it up to my nose to smell it. 

Overall, the wipes performed well. I’ve wiped down countertops, tables, toilets, spots on the floor, and even the aforementioned pets and found them to be strong with an adequate amount of moisture. Look, Biom isn’t trying to recreate the wheel here. These are wipes and they perform exactly as they are supposed to without tearing, left behind lint or unpleasant chemical smell. While there’s nothing ground-breaking about the performance, it’s wonderful to know the wipes are plant-based, biodegradable and safe for use throughout my home. 

+ Biom

Images via Biom 

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Biom. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/s5wZDa6
via Inhabitat

These new apartments blend biophilia and sustainable design

Quintain Living, a U.K.-based real estate management company, recently opened up a new development in London’s Wembley Park. The property is known as Repton Gardens and is Quintain Living’s most sustainable development to date.

Repton Gardens consists of three buildings: Aspen House, Birch House and Cherry House, each featuring several apartments and studios, as well as on-site amenities, to cater to various occupant needs. These spaces combine biophilic design with sustainable strategies to connect occupants to the natural environment from the comfort of the urban setting.

Related: London has a beautiful biophilic apartment complex

Sustainable strategies

Each of the buildings have been designed to have minimal environmental impact and optimized energy consumption. For example, the designers used the stack effect to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. This is done by using hotel-style risers that distribute hot water pipes vertically through corridors, as opposed to conventional heating systems that run horizontally, which tend to over-heat interior spaces. Since the risers stretch upwards, the warm air radiates to the roof and is expelled outside instead of accumulating inside the building, which leads to overheating.

To keep the buildings cool, there is centralized ventilation at the roof level, which saves more energy than individual fans. The exposed concrete ceilings also reduce overheating of the buildings by allowing the spaces to emit heat into the atmosphere. Additionally, balconies have been designed to be shady and limit solar gain, particularly for the south-facing apartments.

Water management is also taken into account. The property uses rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation. All fixtures are low-flow as well, including the showers, taps and toilets.

Quintain Living also considered sustainable furnishings for a holistic, sustainable approach. Furniture elements such as the bespoke desks in the shared workspaces and seating elements (including barstools, armchairs and dining benches) all feature recycled materials or items from sustainable product lines.

Rattan products are also a key element of the interior design. These include a range of handmade armchairs and coffee tables that offer a unique aesthetic. Besides its durability and speedy growth and harvest patterns, rattan is an excellent material because every part of the plant is used and it outperforms traditional woods used for furniture. Furthermore, all items were sourced from the U.K. or nearby countries to minimize carbon dioxide emissions as a result of transportation.

Biophilic design

To complement the use of sustainable strategies, Repton Gardens features biophilic design that connects inhabitants to the natural world. This is done through meticulously-selected earthy color palettes, the use of natural products and materials and the incorporation of indoor plants to create a sense of bringing the outside indoors.

The apartments feature two different color palettes: natural or garden. This is achieved through a variety of natural materials and furnishings in neutral and earthy tones such as grey, brown, beige, deep blue and green. These color schemes are also prevalent in floor tiling, wall colors, countertops and cabinets. In turn, these material and color selections complement the sustainable, natural furnishings, including the bespoke rattan collection.

Interior spaces, including the buildings’ shared workspaces, contain botanical living elements. These plants enhance the interior air quality and strengthen the design’s connection to nature. In the podium garden that serves as the epicenter of the three buildings, the landscaping features tree species to mirror the buildings’ names (aspen, cherry and birch). The garden also includes other smaller shrubs and tree varieties to boost biodiversity in the urban environment.

+ Quintain Living

Images via Quintain Living

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/LtWfXur
via Inhabitat

The latest sustainable materials trending in 2023

Every year, researchers create new and more exciting sustainable materials that can help save our planet. In pursuit of plastic alternatives, what are these materials made of? Here are some of the latest sustainable materials being used in 2023.

What makes a material sustainable?

For the purposes of this article, we’re talking about materials that can replace plastics or offset carbon emissions while being used to create or build products. That means sustainable materials are often renewable, meaning if you use them you can grow new materials to use again quickly.

Related: PlasticFree locates sustainable materials for designers

Sustainable materials also should be natural when possible, to avoid creating new chemical pollution. And speaking of pollution, sustainable materials also should be non-toxic to people as well as the planet. When looking at sustainable materials, it’s also important to remember that materials such as fabrics and papers are often treated with harsh chemicals, so it’s important to ask how a material was produced before declaring it sustainable.

Top sustainable building materials

1. Cross-laminated timber

Wood is a limited resource, but faster-growing trees and plants can make building materials that are sustainable. Even old-growth timber can be sustainably harvested by letting the trees grow to their natural lifespan and avoiding harmful practices like clear-cutting that decimate an ecosystem all at once.

Cross-laminated timber is a particular form of wood used in sustainably built homes and commercial buildings. Timber is glued together in a way that makes the wood strong for use as support beams and similar structures. By working with smaller pieces of wood this way, builders can create large timber structures without sacrificing large timber.

Wood can be used to build everything from buildings to small home décor items and furniture. As such, we shouldn’t cast it aside as one of earth’s most successful building materials for homes. We just have to find sustainable forms of wood. If you’re sourcing sustainable wood for a project, make sure that it is ethically and sustainably harvested (organically grown, no chemicals used in growing or processing, minimal water waste, etc.). Also, make sure that it’s a renewable fast-growing wood source and that your project can minimize cutting waste or transport costs by sourcing local wood or material that is pre-cut for your project.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is a popular building material these days because it is so easy to grow quickly in many locations around the world. Growing fastest in the tropics of Southeast Asia where it is native, this natural product can be turned into everything from building support timbers to flooring and decorative room divider screens.

Bamboo is particularly sustainable because cultivation needs no pesticides, and because it naturally regrows from cut stumps repeatedly and doesn’t need to be re-sown every growth cycle. This unique grass-like plant is actually the fastest growing plant on the planet! Even beating out kudzu vine, which is good because we imagine you can’t make much out of a growth of kudzu vines.

The down side to bamboo is that when used to make fabrics and clothing, the fibers are run through extremely harsh chemicals to make them soft enough for flexible products. If you are picking bamboo in fabric form, look for sustainable versions like Tencel that are made without chemical processing.

3. Coconut

Have you seen ads for coconut dishes recently? That’s because this unique material is now being used as a sustainable building product for dishes, small home furnishings and more. Coconut can be used in scouring pads for your kitchen, or coconut fibers can be used to strengthen building blocks similar to concrete cinder blocks.

Coconut can be used without any waste left over, which makes it an up-cyclable zero waste product. Another benefit of coconut as a building material is that it can be made into building material without using glue, which minimizes toxins. Coconut, like bamboo, is fully biodegradable so it can be used for products that might need to break down over time without harming the environment.

4. Recycled plastic materials

Recycled plastics are now being used to make automobile seats and recycled jewelry. Fabric made from recycled plastics is a popular way to reuse waste from landfills and clean up ocean plastic. Sometimes, plastics can be reused without processing them in between, such as in the use of plastic beads used for flotation, insulation and cushion filling.

Materials made from plastics will boast of their percentage of recycled plastic contents. Just be careful around this material if you are using recycled plastics in a new form that requires care around pollution and chemical leaching. We have seen reusable lunch baggies made from plastics not intended for reuse. Make sure that if you shop for recycled plastic fabrics in raw form or as finished clothing or shoes that you are checking third-party verification of ingredients, especially if you have plastic or petroleum allergies.

5. Bio-plastics

Bio-plastics are a newer category of material now commonly used in disposable single-use plastic products. Bio-plastics are still plastic, but they’re made from new types of plastic sourced from plants like corn, rather than from oil. Usually, these plastics have a delayed biodegradability, meaning you can use your item as long as you want, but when you throw it away the product will break down in the landfill over the course of months or years. This doesn’t get much press these days, but honestly bio-plastics can save the planet from the bulk of problems related to plastic pollution and landfill waste, simply by being long-term biodegradable and non-toxic.

Bio-plastics are also made from sugar cane, beetroot, coffee grounds, corn silk and many similar plants. It is best to avoid using plastic products where possible, especially single use. But in the event you need single-use plastic products, just opt for biodegradable bio-plastics to save a ton of waste over time.

6. Sustainable concrete

It might surprise you to learn how unsustainable concrete can be, when its more natural cousin adobe, or mud bricks, are sourced in a similar way. Concrete goes through a lot of processing and transport, plus it’s very water-intensive. Many companies are now creating alternatives to concrete in the form of 3D-printed filament or building blocks. It looks just like traditional concrete, but the carbon emissions are significantly reduced. And, most sustainable concrete building materials are sourced from partially recycled materials, making the product more helpful to the planet.

Concrete blocks normally require some strengthening bolstering filler such as coconut fibers or recycled plastic pieces. The material for these blocks can even be sourced on site for your construction project, if you have the means to make the bricks! Some construction projects on historical sites or building locations with lots of renovation waste have started using waste from the demo project on site to build the bricks for new buildings at the same location.

It’s a new day for architecture and product design, with all these sustainable products available. Check out our other articles on sustainable building materials. You’ll be amazed how many options you really have, no matter your project specs.

Via Mindset Eco

Images via Pexels

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/9fZdrpH
via Inhabitat

A preschool that boosts learning through play in nature

Nature education is a form of pedagogy that is currently gaining speed, especially given the lack of outdoor stimuli that children experience on a daily basis, as well as rising environmental concerns. Nature education involves the integration of nature into a child’s learning. It maximizes time outdoors and immerses students in natural materials indoors. Through exploration and play in these interior and exterior spaces, children are encouraged to connect with the natural world.

To align with this approach, educational architecture must also adapt to optimize students’ learning. One such example is Wonderforest, a nature-focused preschool in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York. Designed by Palette Architecture, the facility provides a variety of indoor spaces to support the nature-based learning program provided by the school. Children ages two to four years old are immersed in biophilic play spaces. These are designed to be safe while allowing for explorative learning.

Related: Nature is the teacher at this language school in China

The Three Play Spaces

The preschool features three main spaces that are connected through a meandering path, inspired by the movement of a river. These are: The Forest, The Greenhouse and The Wetlands. Each space features biophilic design to adopt the color palette and textures of each specific environment. The three exploratory spaces are also designed to maximize interactive experiences with natural elements, such as water and soil, without having to leave the indoors.

The Forest

This is the first space that children enter as they follow the winding path from beyond the welcome area and classrooms. It uses recycled materials and sustainably-harvested timber for an eco-friendly and tactile design. The Forest features an open play area with a backdrop of a rolling hillside made from artificial grass. This is flanked by abstracted tree forms and a swing set. The changes in topography and forms spark curiosity and encourage exploration and adventure.

The Greenhouse

The Greenhouse is a narrow space with tall windows and thick layers of vegetation. By incorporating plants into this space, the preschoolers begin to engage with their care and growth. The variety of plant species also introduces the children to how plants can support human life through their various properties, be it medicinal, aesthetic or for sustenance.

The Wetland

The most interactive and exploratory space is The Wetland. This is a wet zone where children can be fully immersed in tactile play to understand concepts such as buoyancy and dynamics. To enhance the fun, the space features a child-sized water table and mud kitchen, allowing children to splash and get messy!

Encouraging Nature Exploration

Through biophilic design, Palette Architecture creates spaces that allow the preschoolers to better understand the natural world. To spark curiosity and creativity, the designers layered the play and classroom spaces to allow staff to watch over the children without interfering in their private exploration time. This gives them the autonomy and freedom to learn through exploration and immersion. By creating open-ended experiences for free play, the children are empowered to connect to natural settings within the safety of the built environment.

+ Palette Architecture

Images via Pavel Bendov and James Clark

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/Vuj35Ix
via Inhabitat