Adina Afshan
The planet is at the point in which it desperately needs saving. It's a known fact. It's on the news, in the paper, everyday talk, in the air. It can be felt, smelled, heard, and tasted. It would be ignorant to live life while dismissing the damage. The damage is visible in all three elements: earth, air, and water. The problem is that this was all caused by humankind, perhaps not intentionally. Various issues stem from the overuse of fossil fuels, the lack of efficiency in waste removal, and pollution in general. It almost seemed like a lost cause but worry not! There is hope! With some development and a change of mindset, there is a possibility of (slowly but surely) saving the planet while living comfortably in a way that won't cause more harm than good. A simple lifestyle change can help reverse years of damage if collectively implemented-- sustainable building. But what is meant by this?
In this article, the usage of sustainable building materials (when implemented correctly) will vastly improve the state of future living, as well as the state of the environment. Two types of sustainable building materials will be discussed-- biodegradable and recyclable.
The term "biodegradable" is defined by the Oxford English dictionary as "capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms." What this means is (in simpler terms) the ability of breaking down and returning to nature without leaving behind any harmful substance or residue. Woodchips are discarded and left alone in a forest, for example. After a while (3-4 years-- to be specific) the woodchips will decompose, and in addition to breaking down, they will add nutrients to the soil. It won't leave behind plastic residue, emit harmful gases, or cause environmental damage. Its a win-win situation. The second option, as previously mentioned, is recyclable building materials. A material is recyclable, or "has the ability to be recycled." (Better defined by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition) If a material is recyclable, it has been "collected, sorted, reprocessed, and ultimately reused in manufacturing or making another item." While this type of material is also considered sustainable, not all recycled materials can decompose, such as plastics. If left alone in a forest, like the woodchips, they will release harmful emissions into the air and will not decompose without contaminating substances; it's not natural.
This isn't to say that it is bad, they just have different pros and cons, same with natural resources. Recyclable and Natural materials alike are better for the environment, as opposed to regular, everyday used building materials, however, natural materials are better for a long term, while recyclable materials are better for a short-term solution. On the topic of recycling, according to UNEP, the United Nations Environment Program, since the 1970s, plastic waste has tripled in production and continues to grow. Without proper disposing of plastic waste and decomposition, the problem will continue to pile up (get it?). by 2050, a prediction of 1100 tons of primary plastic produced. 2050 is not so far off, just 28 years. Until then, a short-term solution to the displacement of plastic waste could be using it to help build buildings, such as insulation or infrastructure. It doesn't make sense for plastic used as a long-term solution, the runoff would seep into the soil and water, which would cause even more issues. As a short-term solution, recycling plastic is good for the environment, as it reduces the number of natural materials (non-renewable) being used, such as fossil fuels.
Since there is (currently) no way of breaking down plastic at an efficient rate without negative environmental impact, the next best thing would be to use the already produced plastic. It's cost efficient, since the plastics are produced (again, temporary solution). A perfect example of this are eco-bricks, which are plastic bottles filled with cleaned and dried plastic scraps. As mentioned on the official EcoBrick website, there are a few steps to take in order to create the brick. 1) saving, cleaning, and drying the plastic to be used. 2) Choosing a bottle. 3) Keeping a stick ready to push and pack down plastic 4) Starting with a bottom color (for construction, this is important) 5) Packing the bottle tight with only plastics, mixing them as the packing process continues. No glass, metals, or biodegradable should be used. 6) Weighing the brick; "The GEA has determined that an ecobrick’s density must be higher than 0.33 g/ml." 7) Capping and logging the brick/inscribing. 8) Storing for later use. This method of recycling plastic is inexpensive and very cost efficient, as it uses things found outside or around the house. It cleans up the environment very well while also costing next to nothing. The only thing that would require money is a shipping fee, if whoever chooses to make the bricks sends them to the BrikMarket, a place where ecobricks can be bought or exchanged.
As well as being cost-efficient, some of these recyclable materials are also quite durable. Recycled plastic lumber, invented by inventor Thomas Nosker, uses recycled plastic from plastic bottles, railway ties, etc...to create synthetic lumbar. "People used to complain about plastics because they don't degrade, we found a way to turn that to our advantage with a product," declares Nosker. Using recycled plastic prevents further throwing away of plastic, so they won't end up in landfills and oceans. Intact, Nosker and engineer Richard G Lampo, designed and built the first recycled plastic lumber bridge, used for vehicles, located at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. With 13,000 pounds of recycled plastics, this bridge showcases the structural capacities of this material.
Recycling and reusing plastic materials are great but can't be a long-term practice. The purpose of finding different uses for plastics is because plastic doesn't degrade fast enough (as of now, using modern technology). They stick around, take up enormous amounts of space, mix with chemicals, pollute soils, float about in oceans, and poison marine life. The use of plastics will not last long, as there's already too much. Thus, recycled plastics are a short-term solution to this problem. A long-term solution to this problem; once plastic is no longer a concern and its production has ceased- is to use organic materials that can naturally degrade. These natural materials were the first materials for construction before using different metals and plastics. Materials such as wood, bamboo, mud-straw mix, and stone were the "go-to" for creating durable and insulated structures. From there, with the introduction of steel framing and fiberglass insulation, as well as the need for extra energy (for heating and cooling). This waste of extra energy usage could be easily avoided and saved if certain natural/organic materials are used.
One of the oldest methods of construction involved mud and straw, being baked together to form bricks. This technique dates back to 9000 BCE. The procedure is simple; mud, clay, and sand were gathered and mixed with straw/grass for additional strength (as well as acting as a binding agent). The mixture was then pressed into molds and baked in the sun for a few days to create the bricks. Ancient Egyptians used this technique to build their homes and storages, keeping grain and other foods fresh. These bricks last up to 30 years without cracking, meaning the material used is long lasting. Mud-bricks are still used globally, specifically in hotter, dryer climates, to keep hot air out and cool air in. If this method of construction works so well, is entirely natural, and has zero negative environmental impact (as well as almost no carbon footprint). It should be used more often and with development, can be a normal part of Western construction.
The newest and latest technology doesn't always need to be used, with advancements in technology, there are some pretty interesting new building methods, some that are still being developed, and some that are ready for practice. The newest and latest technology doesn't always need to be used, with advancements in technology, there are some pretty interesting new building methods, some that are still being developed, and some that are ready for practice. Popularized by Eben Bayer and Gavin McIntyre, a modern example of a completely organic material is a type of natural fungi substance-- mycelium.
Mycelium (mycelia) is the tissue of a fungus found underground, in which fungus (fungi, mushroom, etc..) collects and absorbs its nutrients. The hyphae is the "glue" that creates a solid block of mycelium. Once it's completely dried, this block is resistant to fire, mold, and water, making it perfect for construction. (With further research, this material may also help with termite prevention. Once the insects chew away at the fungi, spores will produce within the mites, killing them and preventing further infestation.) Mycelium is extremely strong relative to its weight, industrial grade; a cubic meter of the fungi brick is about 43 kg, while a cubic meter of concrete is about 2400 kg. In addition to its strength, this mushroom substance traps more heat than fiber glass insulation, making it energy efficient, saving a lot of money spent on additional heating and cooling.
Mycelium is still in the process of advancing; as of now it's used for sculptures, smaller construction projects, insulation and furniture. With continued study and improvements, this material can be used to help build large structures like commercial facilities and even housing. This substance is entirely biodegradable, meaning after it's intended life cycle, it will decompose and return to the earth. Unlike ecobricks (recycled plastic materials), mycelium natural/organic materials) won't release any hazardous gases or pollutants when decomposing, which is beneficial for the long term. The nutrients left behind after its decomposition will only benefit the soil, not harm it.
Currently, an enormous amount of money is going into science and technology to help the world find a better way to reduce damage and harm. And while it's wonderful that people globally are worried about the future, harmonious even, however, the one thing money cannot buy is time. The rate of which the planet is dying is rapid, and it is only a matter of time before it will be too late to look for other alternatives. There are a lot of people living on this planet. So many people need a place to live, work, eat, breathe. Architects have the opportunity to design a world in which that all can be done, while also being in touch with nature, not destroying in. This is why sustainability is so important in architecture. The design of a healthier and greener world will benefit everything. But what is currently being done must change. There is no reason to continue to use harmful and toxic materials when natural materials could be used. There is no reason to continue to produce plastic, when there is enough already in the world that can be recycled and reused until there is none left. People like Noskar, who created something out of (what's considered) nothing are the stepping-stones for bigger and better things coming ahead. There needs to be this level of consideration for the future. For the sake of forthcoming generations and the sake of the existence of this planet.
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