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What are healthy materials? Why are they important in the built environment, and how can we make informed decisions about material specification, purchase and use for human health and sustainability? 🌿🌻
Healthy materials are materials that have a positive impact on human health and the environment. They are materials that are safe, non-toxic, renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable. They are also materials that enhance the quality of life, comfort, and well-being of the people who use them.
Why are healthy materials important in the built environment?
Because the built environment is where we spend most of our time, and it influences our physical, mental, and emotional health. The materials we use in our buildings, furniture, products, and clothing can affect our exposure to harmful chemicals, pollutants, allergens, and pathogens. They can also affect our mood, behaviour, performance, and satisfaction.
How can we make informed decisions about material specification, purchasing, and use for human health and sustainability?
By learning about the life cycle of materials, from extraction to disposal, and their impacts on health and the environment. By choosing materials that have low embodied energy, low carbon footprint, low toxicity, high durability, and high recyclability. By avoiding materials that contain hazardous substances such as formaldehyde, lead, asbestos, phthalates, and flame retardants. By using tools and resources that help us assess and compare the health and environmental attributes of different materials.
Our Colectivo expert, Letizia Caprile OrtÃz, talks all about this in our masterclass on Healthy Materials. Follow us to keep learning about innovation and sustainability in the built environment, and reach out if you are interested in creating something together!