Natural Products
What is a natural material?
Natural material come from plants, animals, or the ground. Often, minerals and materials that are extracted from them without being modified are also considered natural materials. Some examples of natural materials are:
Wood: Bamboo, oak, walnut, redwood, bark, etc.
Natural Fiber: Cotton, hemp, silk, etc.
Stone: Granite, sandstone, marble, gems, glass, flint, etc.
Native Material: Iron, copper, gold, silver, etc.
What are the benefits?
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Uses Less Energy
Manufacturing using natural materials takes less energy to produce, which translates into less greenhouse gas being emitted into the environment.
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Renewable and Sourced Locally
Materials such as wood, bamboo, and soils can be sourced locally and do not need to be transported long distances to be assembled into products. They are also renewable resources making them a rather green alternative.
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Aesthetically Pleasing
Using natural materials is pleasing to the eye and often associated with a higher quality product.
What are some example products?
Wood Products: Tables, chairs, drumsticks, book cases, tooth picks, canoe paddles, baseball bats, bird houses, tool handles, fences, pallets, golf tees, wine racks, chop sticks, etc.
Natural Fiber Products: Q tips, clothes, paper, blankets, rugs, towels, sheets, tampons, coffee filters, fishing nets, insulation, shoes, etc.
Stone Products: Tables, counter tops, walkways, walls, gravestones, flooring tiles, rolling pens, benches, fireplaces, statues, jewelry, windows, vases, pots, etc.
Native Material Products: Jewelry, screws, nuts and bolts, pipes, roofs, bells, pots and pans, cups, door hinges, carts, railing, silverware, drill bits, rebar, etc.
