Ecology: the materials of tomorrow

When it comes to ecology, materials and objects that have a positive impact on the climate are often at the heart of the news. Among these innovations are straws made of recycled plastic, bamboo cutlery, or eco-responsible building materials (using less water, etc.). These are already an integral part of our society, so we can wonder about future ideas that will contribute to a more sustainable future. From new alternatives to concrete to a zero-waste cutlery solution: an overview of Belgian sustainable innovations.

Sustainability

In the world of innovations, there is no shortage of initiatives. They are used to counter outdated models that no longer have a place in 2022. The first targets are of course utensils and single-use objects: straw, cup, cutlery, etc. The latter have been banned from sale in Belgium, for obvious reasons. Many entrepreneurs have therefore turned to other solutions to reduce the ecological cost of these problems as much as possible. 

More than ever, sustainability is at the heart of the debate. Nowadays, it seems unthinkable to design an everyday object without taking into consideration its impact. It's a long-term job that probably doesn't have a perfect solution. Innovations are directly correlated with advances in terms of research, discoveries, etc. As long as science continues to proliferate, progress will not be stopped. Moreover, there is no real reason for the latter to be abruptly interrupted or even slowed down. We can therefore adequately envisage the future of innovations that directly contribute to a more sustainable world. Ecology requires research and the innovations that result from it. 

To find out more: How to reduce your ecological footprint?

Ecology and construction

Among the future changemakers, we may not think directly of building materials. However, the world of construction is also in line with climate change. For example, concrete is a material that requires a lot of water and sand to make. Omnipresent in our homes and cities, it is an almost indispensable element in construction. However, considering its harmful impact (in intensive use), it is normal that researchers have turned to more responsible solutions. It is from this observation that Bento was born. Three architects are behind this project, which aims to replace traditional concrete with bricks made from mycelium.

Bento's motto is: "Imagine a city that produces instead of consuming". The idea is that instead of using other limited resources to build our cities, we use a solution that comes naturally from them. Bento's production is based on live, bio-sourced and zero-waste mushrooms to become, after processing, a solid material. This initiative aims to make the sector much more responsible, as it is one of the main players in the production of waste, consumption of raw materials and greenhouse gas emissions.

Find a complete article on Bento (by Le Vif) via this link. 

Single-use but zero waste

In our habits, the use of cover is relatively commonplace, we will agree. But when we're on the road, that's when it gets complicated. This is the basis for the two entrepreneurs behind Ecopoon . Indeed, it was during a festival they were attending that they had a click when they saw the amount of plastic on the ground. The two Liège residents then had the idea of an alternative to plastic cutlery: to make it edible. In this way, the utensil becomes zero-waste. After use, all we have to do is enjoy our spoon! In addition, Ecopoon products are made with local flours. Zero-waste and local, one thing is certain: Ecopoon is on the right track.

Innovation and ecology: a virtuous circle

The current context is alarming, that's a fact. We must change our consumption habits in the coming years. To do this, a horde of scientists, entrepreneurs and other changemakers are there to help us. A more responsible and sustainable world requires a change in the actors that make it up. Ecology is supported by innovation, which we hope will always place it as a key element. The future of our planet and the climate depends on our actions, let's help preserve them. 

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