155 Hemp Made from a variety of cannabis plant, hemp is fast-growing and resilient. It does not deplete the soil or require pesticides, and the fabric created is durable and can replace cotton. The naturally organic nature of hemp makes it highly sustainable. Jute Jute plants are native to India and are also grown in China and Pakistan. Using much less water than cotton, jute can be grown year-round. The fibres, which consist of cellulose and lignin, are used to produce white jute and the stronger, softer brown jute. Leather Durable and recyclable, leather is a by-product of the meat industry, which makes animal welfare a priority for sustainability in the supply chain. Tanning methods are also frequently environmentally damaging, although this is being addressed as processing advances become widely adopted. Linen Linen is made from flax, a resilient crop which does not require fertiliser. It has the distinction that all parts of the crop can be used, eliminating waste. Untreated linen is also biodegradable. However, it is more expensive than other fabrics. Silk The only source of silk is silkworms that live on a diet of mulberry tree leaves. The presence of animals in the silk production process means that it may be unacceptable to some consumers and it is important that producers adopt ethical production methods. Wool Wool can be a sustainable fabric depending on how it’s produced. Fibershed, for example, creates Climate Beneficial Wool on Carbon Farming landscapes where carbon is captured and put back into the soil. Wool is also easily compostable and has insulating qualities. Non-metallic minerals Non-metallic minerals are used as stone in construction, with the most popular types including alabaster, basalt, granite, limestone, marble, onyx, quartzite, sandstone, slate, travertine, laterite and gneiss. No embedded carbon is released during quarrying and fabrication of stone and it is suitable to be used untreated and uncoated for indoor and outdoor use with low maintenance requirements. It is also easily recycled for use in other buildings or for construction ballast and other uses. However, it is important to check that quarries are responsibly managed to protect the environment and that the stone chosen is abundantly available to ensure sustainability.
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