Sustainability has gone from a buzzword to an everyday practice, and more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their waste and be kinder to the environment. People are now recycling plastic containers and bringing reusable shopping bags when we shop, but how else can we promote sustainability? And how do we even know what products are made out of sustainable materials?

What are Sustainable Materials?

Sustainable materials are described as items that are produced and used by humans in an environmentally-responsible way. They can be produced in the necessary quantities throughout consumer and industrial economies without depleting non-renewable resources or upsetting the environment's and major natural resource systems' established steady-state balance.

These materials come in a wide variety and can include highly recyclable materials like glass that can be processed an infinite number of times without the need for new mineral resources, bio-based polymers made from polysaccharides, and many others.

To put it simply, sustainable materials are typically made from renewable resources and can be recycled into other items, thus reducing waste processes and preserving the environment. As the world continues to move towards a more sustainable future, it is important to understand what makes a material "sustainable." 

[Read more here: An Intro to Life Cycle Analysis and Using Sustainable Materials]

What Makes a Material Sustainable?

The definition of sustainability involves using resources responsibly and efficiently so that their availability does not run out. When it comes to construction materials, this means that they should be sourced sustainably, use less energy in production, last longer with minimal upkeep, be easy to repair and/or recycle when needed, have low embodied energy (energy required to produce them), and have a minimal negative environmental impact.

What are the Characteristics of Sustainable Materials?

There are several characteristics that help identify sustainable materials. And it’s good to know these facts so we know better:

#1 RENEWABLE

These products should be made from renewable sources such as plant-based fibers or recyclable products like plastic bottles or aluminum cans. 

#2 NON-TOXIC

These products should be non-toxic and contain no hazardous substances such as lead or formaldehyde.

#3 DURABLE

They should be durable enough to stand up to wear and tear without needing frequent repairs or replacements. 

#4 MINIMAL MAINTENANCE

Sustainable materials should also require little maintenance over their lifetime.

As more people begin to recognize the importance of sustainability in today's society, sustainable materials will become increasingly popular for commercial and residential construction projects!

An Eco-Friendly World

Sustainable materials truly play an important role in creating an eco-friendly world for future generations. By understanding what makes a material "sustainable," we can make better decisions about which ones we use for our everyday needs.

From renewable sources to low embodied energy levels and recyclability, there are many characteristics that determine whether a material can be considered sustainable or not.

As more people begin to recognize the importance of sustainability in today's society, sustainable materials will become increasingly popular for commercial and residential construction projects alike!

We are 100% Pro-Sustainability!

In order to receive certifications from prestigious organizations like Nova-Institute & Recycled Claim Standards, Blue Standard Inc. is setting the standard for sustainability activities by using life cycle analysis and tracking recycled sustainable and raw materials. This enables us to establish new benchmarks for environmental responsibility while also drastically reducing the worldwide impact of the carbon emissions generated by our products.

We are committed to employing sustainable resources in our goods at BetterBone and REPots. We participate in a communal effort that could significantly impact the preservation of Earth's ecosystems by using recycled commercial fishing nets and marine gear for the latter and solely all-natural materials for the former.

Reducing Carbon Pawprint

By recycling, using public transportation, and purchasing organic fruits and veggies, many of us go to considerable efforts to reduce our own carbon footprints. Few pet owners, however, take into account the significant "carbon pawprint" that their animal companions have on the environment.

It's truly no surprise that animal-lovers also care about their environment - it just goes hand-in-hand of course!

Blue Standard Inc. & The BetterBone has developed industry-disrupting, innovative pet products founded on 25 years of circular, recycled, and sustainable manufacturing and material innovation. With this knowledge, we have created cutting-edge materials from recycled plastics, plastics found in the ocean, renewable plant oils, and recycled textiles.

Improving the options available to discriminating consumers so they can choose products that are better for their dogs, families, and the environment. Our method of providing these advancements to the common customer is through Blue Standard and the BetterBone.

We picture a society in which outstanding quality, just supply chains, and environmentally friendly materials become the norm for consumer goods. We are here to establish a new benchmark for safety and sustainability. The Blue Rule.

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