Matter and Materiality by Rokhshid Ghaziani

The following notes are my personal understanding from Rokhshid's lecture.

materials always have played an important role in human life from when they used various materials such as stone and wood to create simple weapons and hunt animals. 

But today, we are using all kinds of material for more different purposes in orther to bring more comfort white leads to forget the Planet Earth in many cases. So we have to decside about the materials and our choises to make the least impact on the planet. sustainable materials, could be the best choise for the following reasons:

There are several different definitions for sustainable materials, but essentially they are materials that can be reused or recycled without damaging the environment. Some common examples of sustainable green materials include bamboo, wood, wool, linen, hemp, clay, straw, stone, and sand. There are also a number of innovative materials that are being developed all the time, such as recycled plastic lumber, recycled paper, organic cotton, and beeswax wraps. But there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the sustainability of a material depends on a variety of factors. However, some general guidelines can help you determine whether or not a material is sustainable. 

                                                   
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First, consider the source of the material. Is it renewable or sustainable? Bamboo, for example, is a sustainable material because it grows quickly and can be replanted. On the other hand, wood is not easily renewable because forests take many years to grow back.
Second, consider the environmental impact of producing and using the material. Hemp, for example, is a sustainable material that is also environmentally friendly. Wool is another sustainable material, but it has a higher environmental impact than hemp. Think about the needs of sheep.

Third, consider the durability of the material. Durable material will last longer and require less replacement over time, making it more sustainable. Linen, for example, is a durable and sustainable material. Straw is not as durable and thus not as sustainable.

Fourth, consider the life cycle of the material. A life cycle assessment looks at all the environmental impacts of material from the cradle to the grave. Some materials, like bamboo, have a low environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Others, like wool, have a high environmental impact but can be reused or recycled at the end of their life cycle.

Finally, consider how the material is used. Is it reusable or recyclable? Is it biodegradable? Clay, stone, and sand are all sustainable because they can be reused or recycled. Beeswax is a sustainable material that is also biodegradable. Coconut is not as sustainable because it is not reusable or recyclable.


And then Rokhshid discussed some sustainable materials:

  • Bamboo is an excellent example of a sustainable material. It grows quickly and doesn’t require any pesticides or fertilizers. It also generates up to 35% more oxygen than trees, making it a valuable tool in combating climate change.
  • Wood is another sustainable material. It’s renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable. It also has a low environmental impact when compared to other construction materials like metal and concrete.
  • Hemp is another sustainable material. It’s durable, versatile, and grows quickly without any pesticides or herbicides. Hemp fiber is also biodegradable and recyclable.
  • Linen is a sustainable material made from the flax plant. It’s strong and absorbent, making it an excellent choice for clothing and home furnishings. Linen is also biodegradable and recyclable.
  • Straw is a sustainable material that can be used for building, insulation, and packaging. It’s renewable and biodegradable. Straw bale is also a great insulator, making it a good choice for eco-friendly homes.

Moreover, she talked about material management which is the process of managing resources in a way that promotes environmental and economic sustainability. This includes reducing waste, recycling and reusing materials, and choosing environmentally friendly materials whenever possible. Sustainable materials management is essential for both businesses and consumers, as it can help save money and protect the environment. 
There are a few ways individuals can take informed decisions and participate in sustainable materials management. Individuals can recycle and compost their waste, choose products with less environmental impact, and support businesses that use sustainable materials. Individuals can also take benefit of materials management programs offered by their local government or utility companies. Finally, individuals can advocate for sustainable materials management policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
Sustainable building materials have a lesser or reduced impact on the environment when compared to traditional building materials. These materials can come from renewable sources, recyclable materials, or natural sources. Some of the most commonly re-used sustainable building materials for green homes are:
  • Bamboo
  • Rammed earth
  • Precast Concrete Slabs
  • Recycled glass
  • Recycled Plastic
  • Reclaimed or Recycled Steel
  • Reclaimed Wood
  • Straw bales
  • Cork
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