With the world producing significant amounts of waste and pollution every day, there is an urgent need to focus on sustainability in every aspect of life. From homes to businesses, it is essential to reduce waste and reduce the environmental footprint. As the world continuously shifts towards a greener future, businesses must focus on recycling and upcycling materials to create something new and fresh. One such focus is the use of recycled materials in office fit out.
Recycled materials:
Recycling old materials and transforming them into material used in office fit outs can bring fantastic results. These materials can be obtained from various sources, including discarded fishing nets, sea shells, newspapers, mushroom waste and even plants and industrial fibre waste.
Offices can be fitted out with used furniture and other recycled products without compromising style and comfort. A professional office space can be designed with reused materials, including recycled carpets and tiles that can be dyed or re-purposed to match desired aesthetics.
With creativity and imagination, recycled metals can be given new life as unique and eye-catching solutions. These recycled design features can bring a fresh and original look to an office space while promoting sustainability. Additionally, recycled glass can be reworked into uniquely shaped surfaces to build elegant and sustainable desks or table tops. Such items can also become great conversation starters among employees and clients, promoting the office’s green culture.
Sustainable Wood Alternatives:
The detrimental effects of deforestation have become more evident in the past few decades. An estimated 15 billion trees are cut down every year, which is more than the number of trees being planted. This has led to a significant loss of biodiversity, massive soil erosion, and drastic alterations to the weather patterns.
However, we cannot seem to cease to use wood in various applications, ranging from furniture to construction. But, what if we could use sustainable alternatives to wood? Let’s explore how:
Bamboo is, without a doubt, one of the most sustainable wood alternatives. It is one of the fastest-growing plants globally, and unlike trees, it does not require replanting after harvesting. Furthermore, it is incredibly flexible and durable, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, and household products. From bamboo sheets to bamboo kitchen utensils, the possibilities with bamboo are endless.
Cork is another fantastic sustainable alternative to wood that can be used in various ways. The bark of the cork tree is harvested every ten years, without cutting down the tree, and then processed into wine bottle stoppers, coasters, and even furniture. Cork is renewable, biodegradable, and boasts excellent insulation properties. It even has hypoallergenic and anti-microbial qualities, making it an ideal choice in the medical industry.
Hempwood is a relatively new sustainable alternative to wood created from the fast-growing hemp plant. It is highly durable, flexible, and dimensionally stable, with a grain pattern resembling traditional hardwood. Hempwood is suitable for flooring, furniture, and even construction, with an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. It also absorbs carbon dioxide during the growing process, making it an eco-friendly material.
Kirei board is a sustainable alternative to wood made from sorghum stalks, a waste product from harvesting sorghum grains. It has a unique aesthetic, with a marbled appearance, and is suitable for wall panels, acoustic tiles, and even furniture. Kirei board is durable, lightweight, and 100% recyclable, making it an eco-friendly substitute for traditional wood products.
Reclaimed wood is an environmentally friendly option for those who still want the traditional appearance of wood. It is sourced from buildings, barns or bridges, preventing the need to cut down more trees.
Reclaimed wood has a unique character, and its age and history make it an excellent conversation starter. It can be used in flooring, furniture, and architectural elements, creating an aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly design. this can be achieved.
In conclusion, there is a growing need for sustainable practices in every aspect of our lives, including in the design and fit-out of office spaces. By using recycled materials and sustainable wood alternatives, businesses can reduce waste and minimise their environmental impact while creating stylish and functional workspaces.
From discarded fishing nets to cork and bamboo, there are numerous options for materials that can be transformed into beautiful and eco-friendly office fit outs. By incorporating sustainable practices into their design choices, businesses can not only promote a greener culture but also inspire their employees and clients to make more environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives.
