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Ever wonder why you are performing a mindful, longevity practice on something made of plastic? We had the same question!
As it turns out, cork is one of the best sustainable materials to make a yoga mat! I have listed our 5 top reasons you should be using a cork yoga mat below.
The cork oak tree (Quercus suber) thrives along the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Europe and Western Africa, where there is a lot of sunshine but rainfall is scarce. While cork trees do grow in other areas with similar climates, the areas along the Mediterranean are some of the world’s top cork-producing regions.
Read moreWe all aspire to achieve sustainability in building, but it can be an overwhelming and daunting task at times. The definitions of sustainability and best practices can appear at first glance to be actively in conflict as we try to make our homes, offices, and other buildings healthier for humans and the planet. Learn more about sustainable building materials and practices here!
Read moreAs we become more aware of the materials we use in building and construction and their impacts on the environment and our health, we are also becoming more innovative, coming up with new ways to use some of our oldest yet most environmentally friendly resources. Cork is a prime example of this. The use of cork in building and construction spans centuries. With a deeper knowledge of this remarkable natural material, we’re now uncovering new applications to take full advantage of the innate properties of cork.
Read moreOne of the most helpful things, when you have multiple projects in progress, is a way to contain your supplies in one space, so everything is always where you need it! It's handy for traveling or taking your projects to work on the go. I love using cork inside my project bags as it is more durable than cot
Read moreIn the ever-growing sustainable building material market, there are dozens of choices for your project, but how do you know which material is the best for your unique space? The intended use and traffic of a room, concerns such as direct sunlight and temperature control, and cost are all factors that may help you pick the best material for your project.
Read moreAt times, the definition of sustainability and the best use practices can be in conflict. We all want to fill our homes with more sustainable and healthy materials, but how can we do that in the most sustainable way possible?
Read moreCork is one of the world's under-appreciated renewable resources. Each cork tree planted plays a vital role in reducing CO2 in our air and releasing pure O2 for us to breathe. While it performs this crucial process, the tree is hiding its biggest secret in plain sight.
Read moreAs environmental concerns and global demand for energy continue to surge, both individuals and businesses are trying to find ways to minimize their ecological footprints. Architects, builders and homeowners are increasingly turning to innovative and sustainable materials for renovations and new construction projects. This is where insulation cork comes into play.
Insulation cork, commonly referred to as semi-rigid insulation cork sheets or expanded cork board, is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available. This remarkable building material is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) with no harm to the tree. In fact, the tree can be harvested time and time again for 200 or so years. The unique cellular structure and inherent thermal properties of cork make it an attractive choice for sustainable construction. In this post, we’ll explore what insulation cork is, why it's gaining prominence, and how it contributes to eco-friendly building practices.
Semi-Rigid Expanded insulation Cork with Shiplap Edges
Expanded insulation cork is derived from natural cork granules, a by-product of the stopper industry. The cork granules are steam-heated causing them to expand and release suberin, a natural binder. No additives, chemicals or binders are added. The cork granules and suberin are pressed into blocks and cut to the desired dimensions.
The natural characteristics of cork all come into play with this amazing 100% natural product:
Excellent thermal insulation
Excellent acoustic & anti-vibration insulation
Light-weight yet durable
Permeability to water vapor
Stability with temperature extremes
Cork has been used as an insulation material for centuries, particularly for cold storage. In construction these semi-rigid expanded cork boards can be used on:
Interior & Exterior Walls, Cladding
Roofs & Ceilings
Cavity Walls
Slabs & Flooring
Insulation cork installed on a ceiling to help with acoustics
Semi-rigid insulation cork sheets are designed for insulation purposes however their multifunctional nature along with their thickness allows them to serve as wall and ceiling tiles and bulletin boards as well.
Using cork in our buildings, helps insulate our interior spaces reducing our energy consumption. The use of cork insulation helps keep the cold out in winters and the heat out in summers.
Totally Sustainable and Renewable Material
100% natural cork
Durable yet recyclable
C02 sink (carbon negative / climate positive)
Cork from sustainable forestry operations
By-product/waste from the cork stopper industry
Given its numerous qualities and the indisputable fact that cork is one of the most amazing natural materials out there, it is no wonder homeowners and builders are increasingly turning to cork for their renovation and construction needs.
Want to find out more about what makes a building material sustainable?
Insulation cork installed on an exterior wall
Sustainable use practices have garnered attention in recent years as individuals and companies take a more holistic view of sustainability and the environmental impact of their decisions. For decades, we have been thinking in terms of the three R's: "reduce, reuse and recycle."
Read moreAs a homeowner, you want to make your home the best place it can be. And with climate change affecting everyone, including homeowners, it's essential to consider more eco-friendly options when updating your house.
Read moreFor many of us, creating a garden is about creating an escape from everyday life. It's creating a little oasis where we can be surrounded by the beauty of nature and breathe deeply. But, as we build our garden getaway, we should consider the impact of our materials on the greater world. There are many natural and sustainable gardening alternatives to traditional plastic pots, netting, and mulch. You can mount orchids on cork bark flats and tubes, use a cork bark planter to house perennials, and cork granules can even be used as mulch.
Read moreOne of the most frequent questions that we are asked is, what really is cork? We love getting this question and being able to discuss the unique properties of cork and the cork oak tree.
Read moreTree bark is a vital protective layer to the inner tree, preventing moisture loss and acting as a barrier to pathogens, insects, and fungi. When most types of tree bark are removed, even when only a thin ring of bark is around the trunk, the tree will die; however, cork bark can be harvested without harming the tree; why is that?
Read moreI talk (or think) about cork all day, every day. I have for years. Explaining the process of the cork harvest and how the bark immediately begins to re-generate has always made me feel good.
Read moreThere are many different definitions of sustainability, with two of the more common definitions highlighting best what sustainability means. Cork is an excellent example of sustainability under both of these definitions.
Read moreI am here to spread the cheerful joy of the incredible cork tree and its delightful bark. If nothing else, to shed some light on the negative carbon footprint from the world of consumerism.
Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree. Once harvested from the tree, it allows new bark to grow in its place without killing or damaging the trees (think sheering a sheep).
Read moreOne tree with harvestable bark is the cork oak tree, which is from the beech family and under the oak genus, meaning it produces acorns, and its leaves are arranged in a spiral shape. Oak trees are known for their hardiness and come in more than 600 subspecies. A few properties make the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) stand out from the hundreds of other types of oak trees. These properties also make it an intriguing tree for environmental protection and suitability.
The cork oak tree (Quercus Suber) is an ancient variation of the oak tree that has withstood the test of time. Cork bark is made up of three layers on the tree. The outer and middle layers can be harvested, leaving the inner layer on the tree. The outer two layers of bark will then regrow, allowing for the tree’s bark to be harvested again and again.
Read moreIn the past, the floors of our gyms, yoga studios, and other workout spaces have been made of unforgiving, rigid, or non-sustainable materials in the name of being easy to clean. Cork is a natural and renewable resource carefully hand-harvested from the cork oak tree and can be used as comfortable and sustainable flooring perfect for workout spaces.
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