Blog - Building Renewable

Two photographs side by side, the one on the left is a closeup of a cement/concrete mixture and the one on the right is a collection of plastic containers. The cement photo has a smaller photo of a bag of cement overlain and the plastic containers have a green recycling symbol overlain. Between these two overlain images is a white plus symbol in a green circle. The overall effect shows an equation "cement plus recycled plastic". Across the top are the words "Recycled Plastic and Concrete for Building: A Perfect Match?" written in white letters with a partially-transparent dark gray background.

Recycled Plastic and Concrete for Building: A Perfect Match?

ByJim Pritchard March 26, 2023October 13, 2024

Recycled plastic is used in all manner of building products. But did you know you can combine recycled plastic and concrete for building? We look at the pros and cons in this article.

Two photographs side by side, one showing recycled plastic lumber and the other showing a log from a tree that has been cut into planks. The letters "VS" are placed in between the two photos with an orange "splat" design around them. Across the top of the image are the words "Recycled Plastic Lumber vs. Regular Wood (Pros and Cons)."

Recycled Plastic Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture Wood

Recycled Plastic Lumber vs. Regular Wood (Pros and Cons)

ByJim Pritchard March 25, 2023October 13, 2024

Did you know you can buy a product similar to wood but made completely from plastic? In this article, we compare recycled plastic lumber vs. regular wood. Which is right for your building project?

A collage of four photographs showing recycled plastic building products including white plastic gutters, plastic flooring, plastic roof tiles and uPVC plastic windows. There are three blue question marks overlain across the top of the image and the words "What Is Recycled Plastic Building Material Made From?" appear at the bottom.

Recycled Plastic Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

What Is Recycled Plastic Building Material Made From?

ByJim Pritchard March 24, 2023October 13, 2024

Have you ever wondered what recycled plastic building materials are manufactured from? In this article, we look closely at this question and find out how these sustainable products are made.

A multi-story building with bright plastic cladding on the outside. The cladding is a mixture of black, yellow and orange colors and there are tall windows in the wall. Across the top of the image are the words "Pros and Cons of Using Recycled Plastic for Buildings."

Recycled Plastic Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

Pros and Cons of Using Recycled Plastic for Buildings

ByJim Pritchard March 22, 2023October 13, 2024

There are many pros and cons of using recycled plastic for buildings. This article goes through the most important considerations when you’re deciding whether to make use of recycled plastic in your construction project.

An image showing cream-colored recycling arrows over a textured green background. Across the top are the words "Check Out These 8 Recycled Plastic Building Companies" and there are houses made from recycled plastic in the bottom corners of the image.

Recycled Plastic Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

Check Out These 8 Recycled Plastic Building Companies

ByJim Pritchard March 21, 2023November 2, 2024

Recycled plastic building companies are not as commonplace as traditional building companies. This article features 8 of the most interesting companies that are making building with recycled plastic a reality.

A picture of a house drawn as a simple shape with a pitched roof and two windows in the front. The background image of the shape is a jumble of plastic bottles that can be recycled in the home such as detergent bottles and drinks bottles. The background to the image is a green field with short grass and a bright blue, cloudless sky. Across the top of the image are the words "Is Making a Building From Recycled Plastic Possible?" in pink fuchsia letters.

Recycled Plastic Insulation Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

Is Making a Building From Recycled Plastic Possible?

ByJim Pritchard March 20, 2023October 13, 2024

Plastic has hit the headlines in recent years due to its accumulation in massive quantities in the environment, notably in the oceans. In this article we ask “Is Making a Building From Recycled Plastic Possible?” The answer might surprise you.

A hobbit house built into a lush green hill with a round blue door and a stone path leading up to the front. Across the bottom of the image are the words "7 Earthbag Homes You Can Go Rent Right Now (Airbnb)." There is a "Rent" sign outside.

Earthbag Sustainable Architecture

7 Earthbag Homes You Can Go Rent Right Now (Airbnb)

ByJim Pritchard March 17, 2023August 15, 2024

Earthbag homes are a highly sustainable form of architecture. If you’ve always dreamed of living in one but never had the possibility of owning your own, why not book one of the earthbag houses in our list?

A collage of four photos showing bamboo, rammed earth, cob, and earthbag structures. Across the top of the image are the words "Earthbag vs. Other Sustainable Building Methods: Who Wins?" There is a "VS" icon in the center.

Earthbag Bamboo Cob Rammed Earth

Earthbag vs. Other Sustainable Building Methods: Who Wins?

ByJim Pritchard March 16, 2023October 13, 2024

If you’re looking to build a home using sustainable building materials, you’ll be interested in this article, which discusses earthbag vs. other sustainable building methods to find out which is the best.

A photograph of renowned earthbag architect and advocate, Nader Khalili, in front of an earthbag wall with archways. There is a cartoon sun wearing sunglasses and the word "Cool!" written in bubble writing above it. The ground upon which the earthbag structure is built is on a plain and has bare soil with mountains in the far background. Across the bottom of the image are the words "The Cool Tech Behind Earthbag Homes (How Long Will It Last)?"

Earthbag Healthy Buildings Sustainable Architecture

The Cool Tech Behind Earthbag Homes (How Long Will It Last?)

ByJim Pritchard March 15, 2023September 27, 2024

Do you know how earthbag homes are built or how long they last? In this article, we take a deep dive into the construction methods used and explain how you can make an earthbag house last longer than you think.

A collage of four photographs showing earthbag homes both under construction and completed. In the bottom right is a map of the United States and across the top are the words "What States Allow Earthbag Homes (Is It Legal in Yours?)"

Earthbag Sustainable Architecture

What States Allow Earthbag Homes (Is It Legal in Yours?)

ByJim Pritchard March 14, 2023July 5, 2024

Earthbag building is catching on in the US and elsewhere. But what states allow earthbag homes, and which ones don’t? In this article we look at some examples and the reasons why some jurisdictions outlaw it.