The best kinds of homes are stylish, but also eco-friendly. And a great way to design an eco-friendly home? Opt for pieces made from sustainable materials when decorating.
Today, I’m sharing an overview of sustainable materials you’ll commonly find used in home decor. You’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for pieces made from these materials when shopping, so keep this list handy!
Sustainable Materials For Home Decor
1: bamboo
A classic. Bamboo will give your space an open and airy feel, and it’s also rapidly renewable thanks to the plant’s quick growth cycle. It’s incredibly versatile too, as you’ll find it used for flooring, furniture, lighting, and more.
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2. aluminum
This metal is often described as “infinitely recyclable” for a reason. Aluminum can be easily bent and molded into new shapes, making it a prime recycling candidate. Plus, recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy needed to make new aluminum.
3. reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood is any wood that’s previously been used as part of a building. By opting for reclaimed wood furniture, you’ll be giving old materials new life and avoiding pieces that additional trees were chopped down to make.
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4. cork
Cork is harvested from the outer bark of a cork oak tree, without harming the tree in the process. This sustainable material is also completely biodegradable and easily recyclable.
5. recycled glass
Choosing recycled materials for your home is always a great choice, and glass is no different. Plus, glass can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality, making it a win for both the environment and for your home.
6. hemp
You’ll mostly find hemp used to make fabric for clothing and home decor. It’s a fast growing plant whose growth requires minimal pesticides and water, all while producing 220% more fiber. Compare this to traditional cotton, whose production uses a ton a pesticides and water yet results in significantly less material.
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7. jute
Jute is harvested from the bark of the jute plant, native to South Asia. Like with hemp, producing jute fiber requires minimal pesticides, making its production process much more environmentally friendly than many other fibers. It’s also 100% biodegradable!
8. sisal
Similar to jute, sisal is another 100% biodegradable plant based fabric. Native to Central America, you’ll find this coarse material commonly used to make rugs, furniture, baskets, and even scratching posts for cats.
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9. terrazzo
Used mainly for floors, walls, and countertops, terrazzo contains small chips of a variety of materials like quartz, glass, marble, and granite. This makes terrazzo a prime place to use recycled materials. Plus, it’s speckled appearance creates a beautiful, artisanal feel in your home.
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