Sustainable home design is no longer merely a goal for a few; it is a dire need. More and more people are doing their best to be mindful of their environmental footprint and, as a result, trying to find ways to make their homes more eco-friendly. One of the easiest ways to promote sustainability in the home has to do with shelving. Choosing eco-friendly shelves helps in maintaining carbon footprint as well as adding beauty and utility to the house.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Shelving?
Eco-friendly shelving has great advantages, and sustenance is just one of them. Their primary advantage is that they are made of renewable resources, and thus have overall having a lesser negative impact on the environment. Moreover, they are usually free of toxic chemicals, which makes them safe for you and the environment. Furthermore, eco-friendly shelves are usually more robust, which means less replacement, and therefore less waste.
Best Eco-Friendly Shelving Materials
- Reclaimed Wood Shelving
Allow me to state the obvious: reclaimed wood is the most sustainable shelving option available. This is especially true when repurposed planks are taken off of abandoned barns and factories, or even old shipping pallets to construct shelves. Using timber with a history not only stems deforestation but preserves the character that your home possesses. Furthermore, reclaimed wood lacks the uniformity present in new timber which adds individuality to each shelf.
- Bamboo Shelving
When it comes to renewable bulk materials, bamboo leads the pack. However, it does not end there. Bamboo is quickly gaining popularity in the eco-friendly furniture space, which includes shelving. It also replanted easily without the necessity of traditional pesticides, making it a preferred selection over conventional hardwood. Made of thick layers of grass, bamboo shelves are lightweight yet durable while coming in a variety of finishes to suit different home aesthetics.
- Metal Shelving
While metal does not rank deeply in the hierarchy of environmentally friendly materials, it does have its perks. With sustainability in mind, it must be purchased from responsible dealers. Recycled aluminum and steel certainly offer durability, but it comes at the cost of being heavy and difficult to repurpose later on. The trade-off, however, is that metal is resistant to moisture and pests, meaning no more constant monitoring while storing items.
- Recycled Plastic Shelving
- Glass Shelving
Sleeves constructed from regenerated glass are another eco-friendly alternative. On the contrary to plastic, glass is imperishable and can be melted and remade in repeated cycles without degradation. Moreover, glass shelves that used recycled materials give the modern appearance to your interiors while being eco-friendly.
Sustainable Finishes and Treatments
It is equally necessary to think about the kinds of finishes and treatments which will be applied to shelves materials in consideration. A lot of traditional finishes use Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs, which can result in gasses that are harmful for one’s house. Instead, consider:
- Water-based stains and paints: These have lower VOC levels compared to solvent-based finishes.
- Natural oils and waxes: Options like linseed oil, beeswax, and tung oil provide a non-toxic way to enhance and protect wood shelves.
- Eco-friendly sealants: Choose non-toxic, biodegradable sealants to ensure the longevity of your shelving without harming indoor air quality.
Tips for Making Your Shelving More Sustainable
Even if you’re not in the market for new shelving, there are several ways to make your existing shelves more eco-friendly:
- Upcycle old furniture: Instead of buying new shelves, repurpose old furniture into functional storage units.
- Choose modular shelving: Modular shelving systems can be reconfigured or expanded, reducing the need for replacements.
- Buy local: Purchasing shelves from local artisans or manufacturers reduces transportation emissions and supports sustainable practices.
- Donate or recycle old shelves: Instead of discarding old shelves, donate them to thrift stores or recycle the materials for other home projects.
Conclusion
By implementing eco reasons such as eliminating the need for transportation, eco friendly shelving options are incredibly effective at making the home cleaner and green. If you, for any reason, need to upgrade the current shelving or require starting anew, it is essential to ensure better decisions are made for a sustainable future.
Visit RackZone for the highest rated shelving units that align perfectly with your sustainability objectives. Their eco friendly shelving units provide the most durable features and help keep your house neat and organized.