Going green, while meaningful, can be quite overwhelming to take in and apply to real life. But did you know that a simple change can help you live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? In this article, we’re discussing how jute products (e.g. jute baskets, jute rug) can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Why Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Matters

The everyday things we do — from riding a car to heating our home — emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide.

According to scientists, for the world to see a significant improvement in the condition of the ozone layer — the part of the atmosphere that protects us from the harmful rays of the sun — a person should only emit an average of two to three tons of carbon dioxide per year.

However, the global average of per-person carbon footprint currently stands at 4.5 tons. And on the extreme right side of the curve, an individual living in an industrial country can emit as high as 11 to 17 tons.

This is why scientists encourage people to go green, even in the simplest and most practical ways.

What Makes Jute Eco-Friendly

Jute is a fibrous tall plant commonly found in India and Bangladesh. Called as the "golden fibre," the fibre extracted from this plant is used in a wide array of products — from jute baskets to jute rug. It is known for its durability, high market value, and most importantly, sustainability.

Here are four main reasons why patronising this fiber should be an integral part of your going green game plan.

It can be grown and harvested more efficiently. It takes around four to six months to grow and harvest jute plants. As they rely on natural rainfall, minimal irrigation is needed to support their growth. And when it comes to extracting the fibre, manual labor helps reduce the need for industrial processes that release harmful greenhouse gases. The plant itself also helps improve the condition of the soil, benefitting the future crops that will be planted in their place.

It can absorb carbon dioxide at a quick rate. Jute plants are not just renewable materials, they are also esteemed for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at a quicker rate compared with other plants. According to studies, in an average jute season, a hectare of this plant can absorb 15 tons of carbon dioxide and release 11 tons of oxygen.

It is a great alternative for plastic. Thanks to its woody composition, the jute fibre is durable and long-lasting. Considered a great alternative for plastic, this material can be used to craft a rather wide array of products — from storage solutions like jute baskets and bags to decorative pieces like jute rug. As they are also weather-resistant, expect to use these products for a long period of time.

It is biodegradable. If you are to dispose of jute-based products, your mind will be at peace because jute plants degrade biologically in one to two years; they are comparable as well.