Environmentally sound idea for home building might includeunconventional building materials

Straw bales can be used as building materials

Charity Bailey---Advances in modern technology combined with a concern for the environment have prompted many people to to choose unconventional building materials for home construction. They do so for a variety of reasons. Some are trying to use eco-friendly products that will make less of an impact on nature. Others want to use recycled materials to cut down on the amount of waste that accumulates on a daily basis. Saving money and using products that are more durable are other justifications for thinking outside of the box when it comes to building homes. Here are some of the most popular alternative building materials:

Straw Bales for Insulation

Straw has become a versatile alternative to conventional methods of insulating a home. Bales of straw can be packed in very tightly, and they work so effectively that they can actually result in dramatic decreases in energy costs. Homes using straw insulation tend to be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Straw bale homes are also fire resistant when the bales are packed very carefully and closely together by someone who is knowledgeable about this approach. This is a natural way to provide insulation, and it will not expose residents to toxic materials. Plus, it costs less than conventional materials.



Plastic and Glass Bottles

There is no shortage of plastic and glass bottles on this planet. Homeowners can take advantage of a potential source of waste and make good use of it. Bottles filled with compacted sand become an extremely durable building material. They are considered safe as well. Many individuals who are environmentally conscious appreciate the fact that they are cutting back on the amount of litter that would otherwise go into a landfill.



Shipping Container Homes

Many people are going the route of shipping containers for a home. If they are lucky to have the right location, they can open up one of the side panels and have an open air atmosphere. Containers are easy to heat and cool because of their small size as compared to a traditional home. These are perfect for people who are looking to trim all of the excess stuff in their lives and want the basic essentials without all the fluff.



Cordwood

Cordwood is gaining in popularity as well. Builders can take advantage of the scrap heap at the lumberyard, use leftovers from other projects or comb forests for fallen wood. The wood acts as an excellent insulator after it is thoroughly dried and stacked. It's inexpensive compared to traditional materials, and it makes use of excess materials or those with imperfections that would otherwise be wasted.



Recycled Rubber

Recycled rubber is another great choice for home builders that benefits the environment as well. Rather than loading up landfills, discarded tires and rubber scraps can be put to good use in a variety of ways. It can be used in flooring, roofing shingles, insulation and as a protective building coating. Rubber is built to last and resists water, two positive qualities. Plus, using rubber is a more economical choice, which makes it ideal for those on a budget.

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This article was provided by Charity Bailey, Environmental Studies student and earth-friendly consumer.