3 Sustainable Materials for a More Eco-Friendly Home

Americans are making significant eco-friendly lifestyle changes. According to data reported by the Pew Research Center, about two-thirds of surveyed respondents said they're making strides to reduce their overall carbon footprint. From driving less to recycling more, people are putting sustainable habits into practice.

People are also looking to their homes when making decisions about sustainable living. New and innovative technologies like smart thermostats and smart lighting systems have allowed homeowners to cut back on energy consumption. Even the furniture found inside of our homes is becoming safer and more sustainable.

With that in mind, here are three sustainable materials you can use to create an eco-friendlier home.

1. Bamboo

People have been using bamboo since the Shang Dynasty, when it was used primarily for medical, food and building purposes. Today, bamboo is used in a variety of different ways. Widely considered a sustainable resource, some varieties of bamboo can grow up to four feet per day without an abundance of water, as well as without the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers.

Furthermore, bamboo releases 35 percent more oxygen than similar-sized trees, according to Scientific American. Fast-growing bamboo can reach maturity in just seven years, whereas other species of trees can take between 30 and 50 years. It's also said that bamboo trees help improve soil conditions and prevent soil erosion.

At home, sustainable bamboo wood floors are increasing in popularity. This could be because bamboo isn't just more sustainable and easier on the environment but also more moisture resistant and even more stable than some traditional hardwood flooring options like oak.

2. Recycled Fibers

Eco-conscious companies and designers are increasingly looking to recycled fibers to create eco-friendly products. For example, handmade rugs can be constructed responsibly from start to finish with recycled fibers.

And with the surge of companies committing to make the earth healthier, consumers will continue to search for products that align with their environmental ethos. The growing presence of both eco-conscious businesses and consumers allows us to combat throwaway culture with quality home items that are ethically produced.

3. Pine

Shockingly, just 8 percent of the world’s forests are protected. Today, sustainable wood comes from sustainably managed forests. These sustainable forest landscapes are managed in a way that prevents damage to the watersheds, fragile ecosystems, trees and natural wildlife found in the area.

Timber woods such as pine are considered sustainable. Pine is fast growing, which, like bamboo can be sustainably managed and harvested because of the time it takes to mature. As a consumer, buying sustainable pine furniture products for your home, like solid pine bedroom sets rather than items constructed from less sustainable materials, is just one of the ways you can be a little more eco-conscious in your day-to-day life.

Becoming More Environmentally Conscious is Getting Easier

Using natural products in your home is more accessible than ever before. From recycled materials and fibers to sustainable timber and bamboo, it's becoming more and more easy to create a beautiful, eco-conscious home with a variety of natural materials.