We’re all becoming aware of the need to live sustainable lifestyles – and for a good reason! With our planet facing the worst environmental crisis in its history, it’s imperative that each of us does our part.
A great place to start is to use sustainable materials in your own home. IKEA has always believed in sustainability, so who better to show you 4 sustainable materials you need to know about?
1. Rattan
A surge in the popularity of rattan furniture is good news, both for the environment as well as homeowners.
This beautiful material is derived from palm trees, which have a negligible environmental impact when grown. Also, they regrow every 5-7 years.
2. Seagrass
Possibly the most unconventional of the lot, seagrass are plants that grow on the ocean floor.
They have a great capacity for absorbing carbon dioxide, acting as important carbon sinks for the planet.
They are also harvested to create textiles and rugs, and are increasingly being researched so that more and more uses for them are discovered.
3. Bamboo
Bamboo has long been one of IKEA’s favourite materials. Its clean lines and colours make it the perfect fit for modern design. The earthiness and raw appeal of its natural fibre make it wonderfully suited for more traditional homes as well.
This versatile material can be grown anywhere in the world, and is the fastest-growing plant on earth. It requires very little water to cultivate, and regenerates from its roots, needing no cultivation, making it one of the most sustainable and long-lasting options.
4. Recycled Materials
This is not one material but a whole category. After all, one man’s waste is another man’s raw material. The ultimately sustainable choice is to always recycle and reuse.
You can find several options to use recycled materials to your advantage, whether they are salvaged wood, recycled textiles or reusable materials (like wood pellets).
Additional tip:
Finally, one of the best ways to be sustainable is to simply buy pre-loved or vintage furniture rather than buying new stuff all the time. The lesser the demand we create for new pieces of furniture, the less likely it is that more and more forests will be destroyed for them to be made.
Second-hand furniture and vintage also tend to have far lesser quantities of damaging chemicals used to manufacture them than modern counterparts.
So, you’re now ready to live a more sustainable life and do your bit for the environment. Have more ideas? Do share them with us in the comments!
