The World Counts estimates that over 2.12 billion tons of waste are created every year, of this number a large sum is credited to waste created by construction alone. This is why it is important to reconsider not only the ways we build but also the what we build with. With new technology and a number of industry advancements, it is now easier to find and use eco-friendly materials and building techniques. This blog will focus solely on the new eco-friendly materials that have entered the market and how you can use them in your next project.
- Recycled cork panels and flooring
The recycling of natural cork stoppers from wine bottles is proving to be a fruitful venture. With reliable and sustainable cork panels and flooring being created from this object which is frequently thrown away without a second thought, cork might just be the material you need for your new project. The material is especially great for creating acoustical wall and ceiling panels. - Newspaperwood
When we think about recycling paper, it usually entails grounding up the used paper and recreating new paper. But the awesome team at NewspaperWood are redefining the natural cycle of paper. Instead of grounding used paper up, they are compressing newspaper and glue into thin layers that create a wood grain texture that works for various home applications. - Recycled steel
The appearance of steel on the list shouldn’t come as any surprise! The material is already heavily recycled all around the world, and if we continue this trend we may reach the point where all the steal we’re using is 100% recyclable. - Nappy roofing
If you’ve ever been around a baby you know that one thing they get through pretty quickly is diapers. This has led many to consider creative ways to recycle the material, and thankfully without any of the smells. And it’s not just nappies, a whole range of personal hygiene products are being converted into useful plastic products, roofing tiles being one of them. - Recycled glass countertops
If you like granite and marble countertops but are not so enthused by the environmentally-unfriendly manufacturing process, recycled glass countertops may be the option you have been waiting for. Not only does it come in a variety of bold and bright colors, but there are also many soft and elegant neutrals.
These few material options are only a taste of the number of new environmentally-friendly materials available!