There is an increasing need to explore more eco-friendly materials in 2022. The ban on the use of single-use plastic globally has increased awareness of sustainable products. The impact of increased temperatures is becoming more severe due to climate change.

The importance of eco-friendly materials cannot be understated. However, selecting the ideal eco-friendly product is a challenge for many. Not all materials that claim to be eco-friendly are. For example, only a few companies have a genuine 100mm EcoTherm Eco-Versal PIR Insulation Board. The article assists readers in identifying eco-friendly materials for use in 2022. The following is a guide on the best eco-friendly materials.

What are sustainable, eco-friendly materials?

Sustainable materials refer to materials that nature replaces faster or equal to its extraction speed. You should consider the source of the material and how it decomposes at the end of its life. There are three types of eco-friendly sustainable materials. These include:-

Natural materials
Renewable materials
Non-toxic materials

Natural materials are inherent and exist as part of nature. The disposal of these materials is safe, unlike synthetic materials. They contain no harmful products to the environment and are available for reuse. These include wood, cotton, stone, clay, and metals.

Renewable materials are extracted from renewable sources. A renewable material naturally replenishes from generation to generation. You can use these materials repeatedly as it is replaced naturally. It is essential to point out that natural materials are not necessarily renewable materials.

Several materials are synthetic with their production involving harmful chemicals. These chemicals are toxic to their environs and have long-term effects. Alternatively, non-toxic material is more suitable as it causes no harm to the environment. These include durable man-made materials that do not require replacement.

Sustainable eco-friendly materials in 2022

1. Wood

One of the ancient materials to serve the sustainability goal is wood. For centuries, boats and fences have relied on wood to showcase its sustainability in all types of weather. Currently, it is used in households as an alternative to plastic. The material is naturally pleasing and easy to use. It is the most used material in building due to its durability. It is also biodegradable. In 2022, it is better off to seek reclaimed or recycled wood as it has less impact on the environment than new wood. However, you can still acquire new wood from a sustainably managed forest.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is amongst the most sustainable materials and is astonishingly stronger than oak. Its strength is due to its fibers running axially. It grows back faster in less than 5 years and regenerates from the roots. Additionally, It does not need re-cultivation and is biodegradable with UV-resistant qualities. This provides for a wide range of utility for the bamboo tree. It is an eco-friendly material as it absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releases about 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere.

3. Cob

Cob comes from subsoil, water, and organic fiber material. It was used in ancient times with the longest-serving known cob structure being 10,00 years old. Due to the impact of climate change, developers are using cob as an eco-friendly material. It has ideal shaping qualities due to its texture. It provides natural insulation causing its constructions to be energy efficient. The constructions do not require heating. In addition, the material is easy to use.

4. Recycled plastics

There is an increasing demand by brands for recycled plastics. It is amongst the upcoming and most sustainable materials as it decreases the use of raw natural resources. It also reduces the reliance on fossil fuels. Brands use a carbon-neutral and harmless manufacturing process for construction materials of recycled plastic. It produces 95% fewer greenhouse emissions than concrete. Recycled plastic can be spun into yarn for clothing and further converted into sneakers.

5. Straw bales

Straw bales are renewable materials that people harvest and replant with minimal impact on the environment. Straws can also be adapted to the compressed ceiling and wall panels. The strawbales have high insulation for temperature stability. They are biodegradable and recyclable.

Conclusion

The demand for eco-friendly products is on the rise. Some materials are finding their way back while others are innovative products. These products assist in the goal of reaching net-zero while still providing quality products and construction materials. If you wish to live more sustainably, this article assists in selecting eco-friendly products for you.