Recognise an environment friendly material

It is difficult for a designer to choose the right material, as there are many aspects that influence a material choice. 

Composition, texture, drape, colour, function and price are just a few of them.

When choosing a material that is also friendly for the environment and everything living in it you need to ask yourself more questions.

A few months ago I wrote an e-book in Dutch about choosing the right material.
Today I am going to give you a summary in English.

When choosing a material, ask yourself the questions:

Is your material toxic?

Everything can be toxic. Water is toxic if you drink too much, or drown in it, but we also need it. Where do you want to use your material for and is it toxic for that use? Where does the material come from and is it toxic to harvest from the area and everything living in it? Is it made with renewable resources? Can you leave traces in nature without harm? (think of  shoe soles that wear off) Can you recycle the material without releasing emissions that harm?

Can you separate the material?

If you want to eliminate the concept of waste you already have to think about recycling during the design phase. Materials must be connected in such a way they are easy to disassemble and reuse. For example new ways to decorate or connect textiles. You need to be able to reuse materials in a biological or technological cycle. 

Does the material boost diversity?

Diversity makes a system resilient. If one element from the system doesn’t make it others are able take over its function. Think of diversity in land use, employees, product range and maybe even your target group. You could consider making your own material.

How long will the material be used?

How long does a user want to use the product? For that time the product must function, but maybe you want the material to be used for other products afterwards. On the other hand, maybe you want to design a product that slowly biodegrades while being used. Or you want to be able to replace one material that wears off fast while maintaining the product. With planned obsolescence you are able to predict the use-time and manage the take back system. 

Is the material multifunctional?

In nature all materials have multiple functions. For example the fur of a polar bear: it gives camouflage but at the same time the hollow glasslike hairs heat up the black skin and give the bear a comfortable temperature. Which functions does your product have to fulfil? Which functions can the material have? Could form-follows-function be an option in your design?

Certificates

When finding an environment friendly material you could take a look at different certificates like Okotex, GOTS, Bluesign, Fairtrade or Cradle-to-cradle. These certificates can give you a view on different aspects of environment friendliness. For example water or energy usage, the ‘ingredients’ in a material or the way a company works with its employees, but it is up to you to combine all the different aspects and make the right choice!

Do you know other aspects that help you recognize an environment friendly material? 
Please let me know in the comments below or by sending me an e-mail.