Cork and hemp, you don't often come across them as materials in everyday life. Which is actually quite crazy, because these natural materials have it all. They are versatile, sturdy, long-lasting and are also a lot less harmful to the planet to make. From spectacle cases to yoga mats and from handbags to purses: you can do anything with them. The webshop Rooted in Nature loves it and curates the most beautiful lifestyle accessories. And we know why!
Cork: from tree bark to handbag
Cork is a material we know mainly from wine bottles and cocktail plates, but it actually deserves a much wider role in our daily lives. It is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, without having to cut down the tree. In fact, that bark simply grows back, making cork a renewable resource with a low carbon footprint. What fewer people know is that cork is not only sustainable, but also incredibly practical. It is light, sturdy, water-repellent and has a soft, almost leather-like texture. This makes it an ideal alternative to animal leather or plastic materials in products such as bags, purses, yoga mats and accessories. The natural look also gives each item a unique and warm look.
A vegan bag made of cork.
Hemp: from superplant to handbag
Hemp may not be the first material you think of when you think of a stylish bag or jumper. And honestly: hemp's image hasn't helped that for a long time. But industrial hemp is something completely different from what you might associate with hemp found in a joint. It is an ancient fibre plant with an impressive CV in terms of durability and versatility. This ‘super plant’ grows at lightning speed - up to four metres high in a hundred days - and does so without pesticides, fertilisers or large amounts of water. This makes cultivation not only environmentally friendly, but also restorative for the soil. Indeed, hemp can revitalise exhausted soil and absorbs a lot of CO2 as it grows. You can read our paean to hemp here.
And then there are the applications: hemp is not only used to make textiles, but also paper, insulation material, cosmetics and even construction material. For lifestyle accessories, the strong bast fibres are particularly interesting, processed into sturdy and breathable fabrics. Ideal for bags, accessories that last a long time and feel natural. The fabric only gets softer with use, without losing strength.
Rooted in Nature: fair materials, beautiful stuff
The webshop Rooted in Nature operates according to the motto From Nature for Nature. That means: 100% vegan products, carefully selected from collections by brands and makers working with as many renewable materials as possible that are also often handmade. So no mass production, but a conscious selection of sustainable and honest stuff with a good story. At thegreenlist.nl we get excited by brands that do things differently. Cork and hemp are perfect examples. They are cool, stylish and much more sustainable than you might think at first glance. And the great thing is: you don't have to compromise on anything. Not on quality, not on comfort and certainly not on looks.
Curious or looking for a good gift? Then be sure to check out this webshop.
Photo credits: Rooted in Nature.
