7 Innovative Eco-Friendly Products Made from Recycled Materials
Did you know that almost 80% of landfills are made up of recyclable materials? This plastic, wood, and metal material might have been diverted from a landfill and repurposed into other recycled products. Unfortunately due to improper recycling practices, insufficient recycling programs, and general lack of awareness, millions of products go right into the garbage can - when they could’ve been given another life.
But does recycling really help us fight climate change and live a more sustainable lifestyle? Yes! While the effects of climate change are irreversible, recycling helps to slow climate change.
Proper recycling and products made from recycled materials are both great ways to reduce your carbon footprint. This reduces the amount of waste in our ecosystem and reduces the need to harvest more raw materials from the earth. How? Read more about recycling here!
Of course, reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something you can work on everyday, and doesn’t require you to make drastic changes! It can be as simple as reducing your energy consumption: turn off the lights or AC when you leave a room, or wash your laundry on a cold cycle. All of these little changes help! Check out more easy and creative ways to save energy at home!
Reducing plastic waste is another way to reduce your carbon footprint. A report by the Centre for International Environment Law showed that every step in the plastic manufacturing process produces harmful greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change.
Another major way to combat climate change is to make more informed purchases. Take time to think about the products you buy: where did the materials come from? Is the product environmentally friendly and recyclable? What is the manufacturing process like? Investing in high-quality eco-friendly products that stand the test of time will help you reduce your carbon footprint.
What are Eco-Friendly Products?
When it comes to eco-friendly products, there are two factors to consider:
- Eco-friendly materials
- Eco-friendly processes
A product that is made from eco-friendly materials is usually made from recycled, repurposed, or post-consumer materials.
post-consumer material: a finished material which would normally be disposed of as a solid waste, having reached its intended end-use and completed its life cycle as a consumer item.
Wood, metal, glass, or plastic may all be recycled and turned into material for new items! These products require very few raw materials (if any at all), which reduces the carbon footprint of the finished item.
Companies that manufacture eco-friendly products are responsible for sourcing sustainable earth-friendly materials, while ensuring that their manufacturing processes are “clean” and don’t produce any harsh chemicals that might harm the environment. This is why microfactories like ChopValue’s have become increasingly widespread in recent years, these microfactories help them to ensure their products quality and sustainability.
How Can Recycling Materials Lead to Environmental Sustainability?
Purchasing eco-friendly products contributes to the idea of a circular economy. “Closing the loop” and creating a circular economy keeps waste out of landfills!
A circular economy aims to extract as much value from Earth’s resources before disposing of them. This is done by reusing, repurposing, repairing, or recycling these products when we’re done using them--which minimizes how much waste we create.
A circular economy has three main goals:
- To “design out” the concept of waste
- To “use” products without “using them up”
- To protect and regenerate natural systems
Eco-friendly companies around the world are manufacturing products from recycled and post-consumer material. Many of these products are also recyclable at the end of their lifespan, which minimizes the amount of waste the product creates, even after it’s served its purpose! With clean manufacturing and recycled materials, companies are creating better, greener ways for us to shop. Check out these sustainable Canadian companies that put the planet first!
7 Innovative Eco-Friendly Products Made From Recycled Materials
This eco-friendly standing desk is the perfect climate positive, carbon negative sit-stand desk solution for your office. The tabletop is made entirely out of 10,854 recycled chopsticks! ChopValue uses a nontoxic resin and hydraulic press to turn discarded chopsticks into a strong, durable material that can stand the test of time.
TerraDesk comes complete with EFFYDESK’s powerful dual-motor system, so you can go from sitting to standing with the push of a button. Not to mention, the desk is mailed to you in recyclable packaging, so this eco-friendly product lives up to its name!
This sturdy Closed Loop Filing Cabinet has drawers made of 2,349 chopsticks. Smooth gliding wheel casters ensure that your files are right where you need them, when you need them. Plus, it tucks neatly under your desk so everything is in arm’s reach!
This eco-friendly and ergonomic Footrest has a surface made from 1,200 chopsticks. You might be wondering—what’s the point of a footrest at a standing desk? This footrest is here for you when you’re taking breaks from standing—it can even help relieve tension in your legs. Check out our step-to-step guide on how to fix bad sitting posture.
Closed Loop Tablet Stand and Phone Stand
The Closed Loop Eco-Friendly Tablet Stand (made with 500 chopsticks) and Eco-Friendly Phone Stand (made with 150 chopsticks) will ensure that you’ll never have to awkwardly balance your screen against your coffee mug again! Keep your electronics where you can see them and you won’t have to hunt for them—keep your productivity up!
The Closed Loop Laptop Legs are made with 89 chopsticks, and will reduce neck pains and strains by elevating your laptop to a more comfortable height. Experiencing neck pain? Find out tips on relieving neck pain here.
This geometric and sustainable wall décor set is available in an array of bundles, mix and match pieces to create the perfect decor for your wall. The shelves are perfect for displaying small plants and knicknacks.
Ready to Take a Stand for a Sustainable Future?
At EFFYDESK — we design, mould, and deliver the best Electric Standing Desks for professional or personal use.
Our award-winning ergonomic office chairs ensure that office workers are protected against desk job damage and are well-equipped to maximize efficiency and morale in the workplace — wherever that may be for you.
Browse our signature Standing Desks, Office Chairs, and Monitor Mounts designed to boost workplace productivity, so you can get more done, more comfortably.
To learn more about EFFYDESK’s products and services, be sure to check out our FAQ page or browse our ergomindfulness blog for more helpful articles on ergonomics in the workplace.