Have you ever thought about what was in your home? Like, really thought about it? Whether it’s building materials or home décor items, some of the trendy, mass-produced products we fill our homes with incredibly harmful to our health. Coincidentally, some of the worst health offenders are also bad for the environment, which is why choosing responsibly sourced, eco friendly building materials for your home is so important.
Unfortunately, being mindful of the environment is also crazy difficult. It’s one of those things that the more you look into it, the worse it gets. So, with the understanding that there is no material or source that is perfect, let’s look at some of the best eco friendly building materials to consider when designing or renovating your home.
1. Reclaimed Wood
Why it’s sustainable: Reclaimed wood has become very trendy in recent years, and for good reason! This type of wood is repurposed from old buildings, barns, or furniture, so no new trees need to be cut down. Giving wood a second life reduces waste as well as the demand for new lumber, which helps combat deforestation.
Where to use it: Reclaimed wood is an incredibly versatile material that can be used for flooring, accent walls, ceilings, cabinetry, or furniture. Each piece of wood adds texture and character to your space.
Watch out for: Make sure the reclaimed wood you buy is from a reputable source so you can be sure it is free from harmful chemicals often found in pressure treated wood.
2. Bamboo
Why it’s sustainable: Bamboo is beautiful, and it is an incredibly fast-growing eco-friendly building materials. It can grow up to 3 feet in 24 hours – which is hard to wrap my brain around!. Since bamboo is rapidly renewable, it makes it a more sustainable choice compared to traditional hardwoods. Bamboo also requires fewer pesticides and fertilizer, which preserves the quality of soil and water where it is farmed.
Where to use it: Bamboo can be used anywhere you typically use wood. That could be flooring, cabinetry, or even kitchen countertops. You could add a bamboo bookshelf to your office, or It is incredibly durable, so using it in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or living room is a great choice.
Watch out for: Just like with reclaimed wood, make sure the manufacturer is reputable and uses sustainable harvesting and manufacturing practices. If you find a deal that’s too good to be true, it probably is – some lower-quality bamboo products are made with toxic adhesives and finishes you should avoid having in your home.
3. Cork
Why it’s sustainable: Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree without damaging the tree itself. These trees regenerate their bark every nine years, making cork renewable. Plus, cork production helps preserve Mediterranean forests, which are essential ecosystems for biodiversity.
Where to use it: Cork is an excellent insulator, making it ideal for flooring and wall panels. It’s also soft underfoot, sound-absorbing, and naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and pests.
Watch out for: Cork may be water resistant, but it does need to be properly sealed to avoid damage, especially in high moisture areas like the bathroom.
4. Recycled Metal
Why it’s sustainable: We love to recycle, and recycled metal is a prime example of this. It reduces the demand for energy-intensive and environmentally damaging production of metal. Metals like aluminum, copper, and steel can be used over and over again without losing strength or quality, making them a perfect choice for home materials. By choosing recycled metal, you’re making a responsible and eco-friendly building material choice for your home.
Where to use it: Recycled metal’s sleek, industrial look works well in modern or contemporary home designs and can be incorporated into roofs, gutters, plumbing, and even furniture. Roofing is particularly beneficial because it reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs during the summer.
Watch out for: Just like with reclaimed wood – make sure that the metals used in your home are certified as recycled and not just being sold as such.
5. Recycled Glass
Why it’s sustainable: Recycled glass is made from post-consumer glass products like bottles and windows and reduces the need for new materials while keeping waste from filling up landfills. The glass is melted down and reformed into new tiles, countertops, or decorative accents.
Where to use it: Recycled glass is a popular choice for countertops, backsplashes, and tiles. Its reflective surface adds a beautiful, shimmering quality that brightens a room. It’s also durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Watch out for: Recycled glass can sometimes be more expensive than traditional materials, but its longevity and eco-friendly benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
6. Natural Stone
Why it’s sustainable: Natural stone, like granite, marble, and slate, is a long-lasting material that doesn’t require frequent replacement, which reduces waste over time. Unlike synthetic materials, stone doesn’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a healthier option for indoor air quality.
Where to use it: Natural stone is often used for countertops and flooring and has been a home design trend for years. Its durability makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, and its timeless appearance is sure to add value to your home. If you can find it locally, natural stone can be an even better eco-friendly building material choice because it minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Watch out for: If you have kids or messy family members, be aware that some types of natural stone, like marble, can be more porous and require regular maintenance to prevent stains.
7. Hempcrete
Why it’s sustainable: Hempcrete is a bio-composite material made from the woody core of the hemp plant mixed with lime. It is energy-efficient with excellent insulating properties, which helps reduce heating and cooling costs. Hemp is also a fast-growing, renewable resource that requires little water and no pesticides. This one isn’t as well known, but hopefully, it will catch on in popularity.
Where to use it: Hempcrete can be used for walls, insulation, and even flooring. It’s a great option if you want to improve your property’s thermal performance.
Watch out for: Hempcrete is not load-bearing, so it needs to be used alongside other structural materials like wood or steel.
8. Wool Insulation
Why it’s sustainable: Wool insulation is a natural alternative to fiberglass or foam insulation. It’s made from sheep wool, which is renewable and biodegradable. Wool also has excellent insulating properties and is naturally fire-resistant, making it a safer option for homes.
Where to use it: Wool insulation can be used in walls, ceilings, and attics. It’s highly effective at regulating indoor temperatures, which can help reduce energy consumption and lower your power bill.
Watch out for: While wool insulation is a more sustainable option, it is not exactly budget-friendly. It can be more expensive than traditional options, but its sustainability and health benefits may outweigh the initial cost for eco-conscious homeowners.
9. Salvaged Materials
Why they’re sustainable: Salvaging materials from old buildings, furniture, or other sources is not only fun, but it prevents usable items from ending up in landfills and reduces the demand for new resources. Salvaged wood, bricks, tiles, and even windows or doors can be repurposed in your home design, adding both character and sustainability.
Where to use them: Salvaged materials are perfect for accent walls, flooring, furniture, and outdoor landscaping. They create a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, often with historical significance.
Watch out for: Sourcing salvaged materials can be more time-consuming, and they may need extra care or treatment to ensure they’re safe and durable for use in your home.
How have you incorporated eco-friendly building materials into your home? Let me know in the comments!