Why Invest in Ecologically Friendly Items for Your Home

Cloud Walker Chandelier by Jordy Fu
Recycled Paper

As we have become more aware of the damage we have caused to the environment through various manufacturing processes and so forth, a wide range of ecologically friendly items have been introduced to the market over recent years. These products help to dramatically reduce the use of natural resources and instead, utilize recycled resources in order to produce required goods. Purchasing these kinds of items is incredibly beneficial to the environment which in turn, is beneficial to us as a society also.



Flight In Yellow and Purple I by Jo-Ann Lizio
Repurposed Sheet Metal



As a direct result of studies throughout the years which have shown the issues that stem from constantly utilizing natural resources, a wide number of manufacturing companies have taken the time to develop new and improved environmentally friendly products. These companies are working towards reassuring the consumer that the products and processes used within their company are ecologically friendly. Investing in ecologically friendly items for your home whether you are investing in apparel, furniture, lighting or even art; hold a wide range of benefits which stem much further than being kind to our environment.



Portals by Bill Hess
Recycled Container Glass

 There is often the misconception that ecologically friendly items will not be pleasing to the eye or carry any form of style or sense of ‘chic’. This however, is strictly not true. Although some items may be produced using recycled products which may originate in plain colors or even textures, these items can be dyed in a wide range of colors to add a splash of color and be worked into any room. What’s more, these dyes will not contain any toxic substances, making them ideal for use within your home. So, say you were looking to purchase an ecologically friendly piece of furniture for your home, you are guaranteed to be provided with a range of options in terms of color, style and design whilst being kind to the environment at the same time.



Dublin Bed by Jeff Soderbergh

 Many of the items that are found within our home will not be environmentally friendly, meaning that they will be manufactured using a myriad of natural resources during the production/manufacturing process. These processes will create a large amount of waste and will not help in conserving our natural resources. However, with many products not clearly labeled as to how they have been made, we can be forgiven for our lack of knowledge. Ecologically friendly items are produced using a much lower level of natural resources which helps in eliminating the amount of waste created during production.



Carmel Chair by Samantha Cobos

By investing in ecologically friendly jewelry, art, furniture and lighting for your home, one thing you can be sure of is that these items were produced using environmentally friendly processes. Compared to other production processes which will damage the atmosphere, eco-friendly goods will be processed in a manner that helps to lessen the level of waste within landfills which in turn, will help to decrease air pollution. These processes do not only benefit the environment, but also those working within production plants. Purchasing ecologically friendly goods for your home not only ensures that you are doing your bit to save our environment, but should you opt to purchase an ecologically friendly gift for a friend or family member, you can also help to encourage others to begin investing in these fantastic products too.

 

White Raven & Amber Set by Ola Voyna

Although you may agree that investing in ecologically friendly goods is a great way in which to help the environment, chances are you may be somewhat skeptical as to the level of quality these goods will hold. Many often associate recycled or ecologically friendly goods with low quality and lack of style. In actual fact, these products are of a great quality and with many designers looking to research further into how these fantastic, environmentally friendly materials can be used, we are spoilt with a wide range of stylish, artistic and high quality pieces to add to our home. With an array of high value online stores such as Eco1stArt.com at your disposal, you are guaranteed to find an abundance of pieces of furniture, jewelry and art that are not only affordable and expertly crafted, but also beneficial for our environment.

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Preserving History Beautifully

Jeff Soderburgh Isosceles Table

“So much today is temporary, disposable, throwaway. I would like to help preserve the history of our unique surroundings in a tangible way that can be passed down through the generations. Simply, I want to take materials from an era where we were surrounded by craftsmanship and detail and force us to re-examine their beauty out of context.” “Re-claim a piece of history.”-Jeff Soderbergh




 

 Isosceles Tables - Reclaimed floorboards with hand forged steel scroll base.

Benefits of Recycling

Direct from the EPA:

Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources. Collecting used bottles, cans, and newspapers and taking them to the curb or to a collection facility is just the first in a series of steps that generates a host of financial, environmental, and social returns. Some of these benefits accrue locally as well as globally.

Benefits of Recycling

• Recycling protects and expands U.S. manufacturing jobs and increases U.S. competitiveness.
• Recycling reduces the need for landfilling and incineration.
• Recycling prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials.
• Recycling saves energy.
• Recycling decreases emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.
• Recycling conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals.
• Recycling helps sustain the environment for future generations.

 Steps to Recycling a Product

Recycling includes collecting recyclable materials that would otherwise be considered waste, sorting and processing recyclables into raw materials such as fibers, manufacturing raw materials into new products, and purchasing recycled products.  Collecting and processing secondary materials, manufacturing recycled-content products, and then buying recycled products creates a circle or loop that ensures the overall success and value of recycling.

Step 1. Collection and Processing

Collecting recyclables varies from community to community, but there are four primary methods: curbside, drop-off centers, buy-back centers, and deposit/refund programs.  Regardless of the method used to collect the recyclables, the next leg of their journey is usually the same. Recyclables are sent to a materials recovery facility to be sorted and prepared into marketable commodities for manufacturing. Recyclables are bought and sold just like any other commodity, and prices for the materials change and fluctuate with the market.

Beautiful Daisy Lamp by Sarah Turner Created with 12 Upcycled Plastic Bottles

Daisy Lamp and Lampshade by Sarah Turner

Step 2. Manufacturing
Once cleaned and separated, the recyclables are ready to undergo the second part of the recycling loop. More and more of today's products are being manufactured with total or partial recycled content. Common household items that contain recycled materials include newspapers and paper towels; aluminum, plastic, and glass soft drink containers; steel cans; and plastic laundry detergent bottles. Recycled materials also are used in innovative applications such as recovered glass in roadway asphalt (glassphalt) or recovered plastic in carpeting, park benches, and pedestrian bridges.

Not to mention the beautiful art created by the innovative artists of Eco1stArt.com.

Cola Lampshade by Sarah Turner


Step 3. Purchasing Recycled Products
Purchasing recycled products completes the recycling loop. By "buying recycled," governments, as well as businesses and individual consumers, each play an important role in making the recycling process a success. As consumers demand more environmentally sound products, manufacturers will continue to meet that demand by producing high-quality recycled products. Learn more about recycling terminology and to find tips on identifying recycled products.

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