Have you ever wondered about the long-term effects plastic has on the environment in comparison to other less harmful alternatives?
We’re here to give you a brief overview of both wicker and plastic and how they differ in terms of an overall impact on the environment.
Read on to discover the environmental impact of wicker vs plastic….
What is Plastic?
Plastic is a broad term used to describe synthetic materials that are generated from fossil fuels.
Numerous materials fall under the definition of plastic, and although some products made from plastic contain organic compounds, most will require synthetic materials to create the finished product - which of course, are materials not found in nature.
Why is plastic so harmful to our environment?
The main reason why plastic is so harmful to the environment is because it never goes away.
This is because plastic is not a biodegradable material. So, all it can do is break down into smaller and smaller pieces, and this process can take hundreds of years.
So, where does it go? Plastic ends up in our oceans and landfills, plaguing natural surroundings and even releasing harmful chemicals into soils and water resources, which harms a variety of ecosystems across the world.
Are there any forms of plastic that can be recycled?
Technically, yes. Plastic products made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) can partially be recycled.
These types of plastics are commonly used to make certain household items, such as shampoo bottles, water bottles, butter containers and so on.
Although this may seem positive, these types of plastics only account for 9% of the problem. The other 79% will end up in our oceans and landfills, and 12% of non-recyclable plastic will be incinerated.
Can we live without plastic?
In reality, it would be very difficult to become a plastic-free consumer, and that’s because it’s quite literally everywhere. So, we wouldn’t blame you for feeling as though it’s impossible to avoid plastic!
In a perfect world, we would stop the production of plastic in its tracks. But, until we get the whole world on board with sustainable alternatives, this isn’t a realistic outcome just yet.
Opting for alternatives to plastic wherever possible is all it takes to make a more positive impact. We all need to start making a collective effort if we want to protect our environment, and any small step towards this should never be underestimated!
What happens if we don’t stop using plastic?
So, it’s no secret that the production of plastic is thriving, even though it has the biggest negative impact on the environment.
If we don’t stop using plastic at the current rate we do, one of the most alarming predictions is that there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050.
Not only that, but expert researchers also predict that plastic will have long-lasting effects on not only the environment - but also on our health. This is because of the hormonal and chemical effects caused by plastic.
How to reduce your plastic waste
As we mentioned earlier, it won’t be easy to cut out plastic entirely. However, there are ways you can make a difference. See below for more information on how you can reduce your plastic waste.
- Stop buying chewing gum - it’s made from synthetic rubber, which is another term for plastic!
- Invest in reusable bags (e.g. for grocery shopping) instead of having to repeatedly buy plastic bags. This will also save you money!
- Invest in better quality products. For example, our range here at Wovenhill are carefully designed to stand the test of time, as opposed to plastic storage solutions which will likely warp and break prematurely. Plus, we only use eco-friendly materials!
- Avoid products that contain microbeads (a.k.a tiny pieces of plastic). They are usually found in beauty and hygiene products, and marine animals end up consuming them.
- Invest in a reusable water bottle.
- Purchase from retailers who are transparent and ethically sound.
- Use biodegradable straws instead of plastic straws.
- Avoid items that are packaged using single-use plastic, and opt for an alternative instead.
- Look for alternatives wherever possible. For example, laundry detergent can come in cardboard boxes (which can be recycled) instead of plastic bottles.
What is Wicker?
The term ‘wicker’ and ‘rattan’ are often used interchangeably, however, they mean different things.
Wickerwork is a technique that can be used with different materials, as it’s simply a style in which a product is created. At Wovenhill, most of our wicker products are made from rattan, which is a raw material.
Wicker Bronze Square Log Basket with Hoop Handles - shop now.
Where does rattan come from?
Approximately 80% of products made from rattan will source its materials from Indonesia, however, this material is also found across Southeast Asia due to thriving growth in tropical forests.
Swapping cheaply made products with premium quality alternatives that are made from eco-friendly materials, such as rattan, is a great way to start making a positive change.
Are rattan products eco-friendly?
Yes! Interestingly, there are approximately 600 different types of flexible climbing palms that fall under the definition of rattan.
This means that any rattan that is harvested for use will be replaced with new growth, which is what makes it a renewable and sustainable material.
So, the answer to this question is simple - rattan is completely recyclable. This is because rattan is a natural material that is biodegradable, meaning that it can be sustainably grown and disposed of without any significant lasting effect on the environment.
Shop environmentally friendly storage baskets at Wovenhill today
There are so many reasons why we should all be opting for eco-friendly solutions where we can. The biggest takeaway from this article is that rattan products are made from a sustainable material - and plastic isn’t!
At Wovenhill, we’re proud to say that all of our products are made from natural materials that are ethically produced and sustainably sourced, made from renewable resources.
You’ll be able to choose from an extensive selection of products that are available in a wide range of sizes, designs and styles - including Wicker. The natural and sustainable materials we use to create our long-lasting products are either premium quality Rattan, Water Hyacinth, Seagrass or Kubu Rattan.
See below for more information on what you can expect to find when you browse the rest of our website.
Eco-friendly trunks & hampers
Our trunks and hampers are our largest storage solution options, made to effortlessly ooze taste and style in any room they feature in.
The most perfect addition to any home, you can’t go wrong with either one of these beautiful storage solution options. Our entire range is made using eco-friendly materials, which includes trunk and hamper options made from either Kubu Rattan or Wicker.
Shop premium trunks and hampers today.
Eco-friendly log baskets
Choose from a wide range of carefully handcrafted log baskets made from the best and most sustainable natural materials on the market. This includes an extensive selection of stunning log baskets made from either Natural Kubu, Wicker or Bamboo.
What’s more, if you’re looking for a basket that’ll take all the difficulty out of transporting firewood to and from your fire feature, we also offer a wide selection of log baskets that are made to feature premium quality castor wheels. If you’re interested in browsing our selection of log baskets on wheels, click here.
Another brilliant and unique feature that’s found with many of our log baskets is a velcro fastened liner - which successfully prevents bits of wood from escaping through the weave.
Eco-friendly storage baskets
Perfect for organising every room in your home, our eco-friendly storage basket solutions are available in a wide variety of styles, designs and sizes.
We’ve carefully curated our selection to provide you with a practical and durable option for all types of purposes, so we’re certain you’ll have no problem finding the perfect basket for you. All of our storage baskets are eco-friendly and made from the finest natural materials.
Shop storage basket solutions today.
Eco-friendly laundry baskets
Both beautiful and practical, our laundry baskets are made to perfection!
Made from the most premium quality natural materials, not only are our laundry baskets a superb eco-friendly option, but they’re also carefully crafted to offer incredibly worthwhile features - specially designed to make everyday life much easier!
Eco-friendly pet beds
Our pet beds are made from the finest quality Kubu Rattan to ensure long-lasting quality. Browse our selection of the most immaculately presented eco-friendly pet beds today and you’ll be welcomed with a visually stunning addition that’ll provide your furry friend with unparalleled comfort and support.
