Three Earth-friendly materials that make a big difference: Wool, Wood, & Recycled Plastic
by Soul Source | Sustainable home goods in Bradford, NH
Earth Day is a day of celebration and action to promote sustainability and environmental protection (though, Earth Day is really every day, don’t you think?)
One way to contribute to the health of the planet is by using sustainable materials in our homes.
Though, this can be easier said than done.
Our furniture and home goods, like so many other industries, have been co-opted by cheap production processes that cause harm to the environment while bringing toxic chemicals into our homes.
No good - we want better!
That’s why Soul Source is here. We take the time to find beautiful, thoughtfully crafted home goods produced in the US, made with materials that are safe for you and safe for the planet.
We’re learning so much on this journey about what’s available to help us furnish our homes with environmentally friendly - and therefore better for our health - goods.
In this blog, we will explore how wool, wood, and recycled plastics are sustainable materials that can be used in various ways to decorate and furnish your home and live up to our value of caring for the Earth.
Wool
Wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fiber that is obtained from the fleece of sheep. It has been used for clothing and textiles for thousands of years, and it is still a popular material today. Wool is an excellent insulator, making it a great choice for blankets, carpets, and other textiles that keep you warm.
Wool is hypoallergenic - it is resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew that can trigger allergic reactions in many people. It absorbs harmful pollutants - not only does wool absorb many harmful pollutants from the air, it does not re-emit them. It's estimated that wool used in interiors can help purify the air for 30 years (worldofwool.co.uk)
It is also naturally fire-resistant and water-repellent, making it a safe and durable choice. Pretty neat!
In addition to being a sustainable material, wool also has a low environmental impact. The production of wool requires relatively little energy compared to synthetic fibers, and sheep farming can help maintain healthy ecosystems and prevent soil erosion. Wool is also recyclable and biodegradable, which means that it can be composted at the end of its life cycle.
Here at Soul Source, we have a range of wool items, from dish drying racks to bedding to mattresses!
Wood Wood is another sustainable material that has been used in construction and furniture-making for centuries. Though wood can - and often is - unsustainably harvested, it is a renewable resource that can be sourced from sustainably managed forests. This means that new trees are planted to replace those that are harvested and practices like clear cutting are avoided.
There are many ways to incorporate wood into your home decor. Here at Soul Source, we have a wide variety of wood products, some crafted right here in our community, like bowls, spoons, furniture, clocks, and more. Wood is durable and long-lasting, which means that it can be a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Recycled plastics
Recycled plastics are a sustainable material that, in many ways, we have a responsibility to incorporate into our lives given all the plastics that have been generated over the past century. It is estimated that eight million tons of plastic are released into the oceans every year. Marine animals eat the plastic which compromises their health and spreads these toxic chemicals throughout the food chain (more on plastics in the ocean at science.org)
Recycled plastics can be used in a variety of ways in your home. While plastic waste is a major environmental problem, recycling plastic can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. Recycled plastics can be used to make furniture, rugs, and other home decor and practical items.
Here at Soul Source, we only carry plastic products with practical uses in the home that have been recycled to help reduce the waste stream.
Addressing problems like pollution, environmental devastation, and habitat and biodiversity loss can feel overwhelming. Small steps to reduce and eliminate waste, or otherwise choose eco-friendly products and materials, can really make a difference.
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