For construction workers, architects, and DIY enthusiasts at home, it will not have escaped your notice that high-street stores, designer manufacturers, and retailers are all placing a much heavier emphasis on the sustainability of their products.
There are a million reasons why striving to live an eco-friendlier existence and, indeed, helping to preserve the natural environment, wildlife, and the planet, in general, is becoming more and more of a necessity rather than an option.
With that being said, whether for a home renovation project or simply to learn, continue reading for a simple guide to green materials for a sustainable future.
Hempcrete
As the name suggests, hempcrete is a sustainable alternative to concrete. The latter contributes to between four and eight percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.
Essentially, hempcrete is an entirely bio-composite material containing large amounts of lime mineral, hemp (naturally), and hurds, which are the hard and tough parts of flax. Benefits of using hempcrete in all manner of construction and architectural projects are numerous and include aesthetic beauty, high levels of comfort and warmth, and a positive impact on the natural environment.
Marble
Even though marble can be sourced and utilized from virtually any country in the world, the most valuable types of marble are only produced in two countries: Greece and Italy.
Marble, as it is a wholly natural stone, is considered to be a sustainable choice and completely environmentally friendly, mainly because the extraction of marble has very little effect on carbon footprint.
Leading suppliers of sustainable and truly stunning marble flooring options mystonefloor.com boasts an impressively wide array of marble tiles, which will serve to not only elevate the luxurious feel of your home but will also stand the test of time due to the high durability nature of the stone.
Bamboo
One of the most common naturally growing materials in the world is also incredibly hardy and a fast-grower, and that is the panda’s favorite food: bamboo.
You can either choose to go for natural bamboo or carbonized bamboo instead. The carbonized variety will have a darker and richer tone.
Bamboo can be the base material in everything from kitchen and bathroom cabinets to wooden flooring choices and is not only incredibly easy to clean and maintain but also is one of the most durable materials of them all.
Tadelakt
Whereas hempcrete is a fantastic sustainable alternative to concrete, when a construction project requires micro-cement instead, eco-builders turn to a little-known environmentally friendly substance called tadelakt.
Originating from Africa, specifically Morocco, tadelakt is available in a vast array of different colors. As it is created entirely from lime-based polished plaster, it has a seamless marble look. Other key benefits of using tadelakt, particularly in the bathroom, include the affordable nature of the material, the fact it is 100% waterproof, and the simple fact that you would be hard-pressed to find such a hygienic material.
If you are serious about sustainability, these are the materials you should be using in your projects.
