Top Natural Materials
Top Natural Materials
When
shopping for products that are made without chemicals or are
manufactured in a way that is not damaging to the environment you may
see words like: Natural, organic,
Eco-friendly, green and environmentally conscious. What exactly are
natural materials and why should we as consumers be concerned with them?
Any
fiber or material that is derived from plants or animals and that is
biodegradable is considered to be natural. Here is a list of the most
popular natural fibers:
- Bamboo
- Cotton
- Wood
- Jute
- Hemp/ Jute/ Sisal
- Wool
Bamboo
Bamboo
is an item with high tensile strength and flexibility. It is often used
in some parts of Asia as scaffolding to support tall buildings where
high winds and earth quakes are prevalent. In the past, bamboo has even
been used to construct entire homes. It is long lasting, and durable,
with an excellent natural sustainability quality. In recent years
viscose from bamboo has become more popular as a material that and can
be found in bed linens,
towels, and even clothing. It can be spun into smooth, durable yarns
that produce long lasting, beautifully textured materials.
Cotton
Some environmentally conscious consumers shop for organic cotton clothing, towels, bedding, and other household furnishings. Organic cotton bed linen
is one of the most popular uses for organically grown cotton. As the
popularity of living green increases, more Eco-friendly oriented
consumers are realizing how comfortable it is to sleep on organic cotton
sheets for year- round comfort. Organic cotton robes
have long been used by spas for natural, plush comfort for their
guests. Cotton is also used in batting for quilts, mattress pads, and
pillows. When all natural 100% organic cotton is used, there is less
chance of being exposed to toxins and harmful chemicals.
Wood
Wood
fibers, while very durable and strong, are not as widely used as plant
and animal fibers. But, wood fibers are one of the main sources of paper
and house materials. Items such as plywood and fiber board are widely
used in the construction of furniture and buildings.Wood fibers do not
necessarily have to come from trees. Wood fibers can also be obtained
from the stems and stalks of woody stemmed plants such as bamboo.
Recycled paper can also be processed from wood fiber. This makes wood
fiber a highly versatile source for material.
Hemp/Jute/Sisal
Hemp,
jute, and sisal are most commonly used for rope and twine making. These
plant based fibers are well known for their long lasting, high tensile
durability. These materials can also be made into cloth for such things
as tarps, canvas, flooring, dartboards, and even mattresses. These
three materials are also often blended into industrial carpeting.
Because of its durability, the blend of hemp/ jute/sisal helps carpet
from being worn down quickly in high traffic areas. It also is also used
for shower curtains
because of its resistance to mildew and humidity, and drapery to create
a natural and rustic feel throughout a home. There are also certain
types of papers produced from these three products and the fibers have
been manufactured into certain types of building materials. Some
Eco-friendly clothing manufacturers have even begun making shirts and
pants from these three plant based materials.
Wool
Wool is found in carpets, clothing, boots, sweaters, blankets,
and even seat covers. Wool resists staining and also is a natural
moisture repellant. Because of its low retention of static electricity,
wool is often the main fiber used for carpets in high safety
environments such as trains and aircraft. Wool blended garments are
generally standard issue for military personnel, fire fighters, and
others who work in an environment where there be an exposure to fire.
Sheep’s
wool has been used for many years as clothing, boots, and blankets. But
due to many people trying to become more environmentally aware, many
green homes and commercial buildings have begun using it for insulation.
The woolen fibers are spun into a thick felt like material and formed
into rolls, much like traditional insulation, and placed between the
joists of a home or office. The manufacture of wool insulation uses far
less carbon dioxide than the making of traditional fiber glass
insulation. One unique feature of sheep’s wool insulation is that it
absorbs moisture without losing its insulation properties.
This
means that when it absorbs moisture it gives off heat and when it
releases moisture, it cools the surrounding area. It is a NATURAL choice
for insulation not only because it is Eco-friendly, but in time will
pay for itself in the reduction of heating and cooling bills.
Natural Materials
Natural
materials may be initially expensive, but because of their long lasting
durability, they save money in the long run since they do not have to
be replaced as often. The use of natural materials reduces the
environmental impact by lessening the use of chemicals that our bodies
are exposed to.
Organic Materials
An
even better way to be Eco-friendly is to use organic, natural
materials. By building and insulating our homes and businesses with
natural materials, we are being Eco-friendly and creating a sustainable
environment that preserves the planet for future generations. The more
organic clothing, bedding,
and household goods consumers utilize, their exposure to hazardous
chemicals and need for new materials is reduced. By shopping green,
building green and living green-we all benefit.
Are Naturals
recognizes the necessity of being environmentally responsible in the
way we shop and the products we purchase for our homes and businesses.
By using natural materials for our clothing, bedding, furniture, and
even insulating our homes, we lessen our impact on the environment, not
only today, but for future generations.
 MyMove Date 5/7/2024 9:17:54 AM
MyMove loves eco-friendly materials like bamboo. We encourage the use of bamboo for flooring options. Did you know, bamboo flooring is a fantastic option because it is made from bamboo reeds, which only take up to 5 years to grow, versus 50 plus years for trees? More on eco-friendly flooring options: http://www.mymove.com/tips-advice/decorating/floors-ceilings/eco-friendly-flooring-options
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