Pollution is one of the many major environmental issues that affect the whole ecosystem. Water, soil and air pollution, the three zones of the natural environment are much affected by the dumping of non-biodegradable materials as well as chemical based materials. Some of the biggest contributors to these pollutants are materials used in construction and construction waste. Everyday thousands if not millions of homes are built each day and they are all contributing to pollution of all kinds. If everyone would opt to go for renewable materials in their homes, it would be lessen the impact to the environment.
The following are some eco-materials that can be used for home furnishings and decors.
- Coconut Lumber
Similar to bamboo, coconut is an affordable and renewable resource since it is abundant in many tropical and subtropical regions in the world. They are faster to grow when compared to other sources of lumber as well.
Almost every part of the coconut can be utilized. From its leaves down to its roots, the coconut tree provides food, construction, and clothing. There are a lot of furniture companies that make a living from coconut lumber as well as companies that use it for carpets, doormats and rugs. Additionally, the coconut shells can be excellent pieces of household wares such as bowls and ladles.
- Wood Trimmings or Shavings.
A couple of important environmental issues of today include deforestation and extinction of many tree species. Aside from these, a lot of furniture shops, wood processors and construction sites have problems in disposing wood trimming. It is possible to opt to have furniture, moldings, chairs and other types of furniture made from recycled wood trimmings. Go online to look for shops in your local area that offer products from recycled wood trimmings.
- Willows
These plants are abundant in cold areas and are especially seen by riverbanks and streams that act as a border to protect the shore or banks from strong waters. They can propagate fast which makes it a perfect alternative to other types of lumber. They make excellent furniture such as tables, chairs and beds. The twigs are also woven to create racks, lamp shades and baskets.
- Cogon
This type of weed damages crops and most of the time farmers spend money, time and labor to just clear out their farms. If the cogon weed was able to spread extensively in a farm, potentially most farmers would opt for herbicides or burning to clear the weed which can be hazardous to the ecosystem.
Dried cogon grass makes excellent mats, carpets, magazine holders and many other such items. Cogon grass can also be made into natural paper as well.
Extinction and imbalance in the ecosystem is an issue in many microenvironments and one activity that contributes to the degradation of plants and animals is the burning of habitats.
- Abaca
They are abundant in tropical countries. Abaca is characterized for its strong fiber. Most farmers in the abaca industry are profitable in the products made from the tree. Most products from abaca are twines, ropes, bags, belts, furnishings and clothing. Abaca is also used in making currency bills in some countries.
Author Bio:
John Tarantino is an environmental advocate in Portland, Oregon and enjoys sharing his perspective with the world. He also writes for The Environmental Blog (environmental issues) to help share his green expertise on the Internet.
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