Recycle & Repurpose – 100% Recyclable Hammocks
We already know that hammocks are a sublime way to rest and relax, whether in your backyard or camping outdoors. Did you also know they are becoming more Eco-friendly by being made from recycled products because makers of hammocks want to be part of the solution.
While you may find some made from recyclable or recycled products, many on the market are primarily made from synthetics like nylon and polyester. While durable, they aren’t so great for the environment.
Traditional rope hammocks made from natural cotton fibers are more biodegradable than synthetics; however, still, leave a heavy environmental impact because it uses a lot of pesticides and insecticides to grow.
Environmentally Friendly Hammock Brands
Nakie
For a 100% fully recycled hammock, Nakie is the world first. Their vision is for people to get away from life’s chaos and enjoy nature leaving nothing but memories and footprints. Their understanding of the negative impact humans have on the environment caused them to contribute to sustainability by using recycled plastic bottles.
When Nakie creates a double hammock, they use 37 recycled plastic bottles. This saves them from entering landfill, where they take around 400 years to break down.
Nakie hammocks come in various sizes and colors and can hold an impressive 225kg of weight, which means they are great for snuggling. They are also lightweight, making them an ideal camping companion, especially when hiking to get to your location. Apart from their vision towards sustainability, Nakie wants their products to be portable and easy to use, so each weighs only 600g. According to the company, you can be relaxing in your hammock within one minute – sounds ideal.
Their design features include:
- 3m long and 1.8 metres wide – perfect for sharing
- Soft, lightweight and breathable material
- Triple stitching
Pros:
- Reduces energy required to create
- Reduces the number of raw materials used
- Reduces carbon footprint
- Saves bottles from going into landfill
- Lower CO2 emissions
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
- Have fewer features than other hammocks
La Siesta
While not 100% recyclable, La Siesta are doing their bit by working towards sustainability when it comes to their hammocks. Their products are made out of organic cotton. They make these with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton, which is the standard for processing organic fibers.
La Siesta hosts an organic cotton growing initiative in Latin America. They are making strides to create comfortable hammocks fair to humans and nature while still being supremely soft.
They also use Certified Sustainable Wood, and the trees are managed according to ecological and sustainable forestry. The spreader bars and chairs have a tracking code so the certification can be checked by you. La Siesta wants you to relax with a clear conscience.
Their classic and travel range comes in various sizes and handles different weights, some up to 200kg. The travel range is easily portable and perfect for bush walking and camping; the classic option is ideal for catching the backyard rays or by the pool.
Some of the features include:
- Tear proof selvedge
- Has waterproof fabric
- Extra-wide tree strap for travel model
Pros:
- They contribute to sustainable forestry
- Environmentally sounds and socially responsible manufacturing
- Tree friendly straps
- Manufacture a variety of options – traditional, travel and hanging chairs
Cons:
- The drawstring pouch is small and makes the hammock challenging to get back in.
Ecomundy Hammocks
This sustainable handcrafted organic cotton hammock brand is made from organic materials with quality and purity for ultimate comfort. These Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) hammocks look elegant and stylish but highly functional. The weights vary depending on the type and size, some up to 300kg. Traditionally handwoven, you can be sure you are only getting the very best reinforced products as Ecomundy not only work with sustainable organic products that use less water when being made but are consistent in quality and design.
The Ecomundy range is often used as an indoor hammock but can also be used outdoors. Being created in a sustainable environment means you can relax with peace of mind that they have been made in a healthy and Eco-friendly way.
Our organic cotton hammocks have:
- Extreme durability
- Provides ultimate comfort with 460 or 320gr/m2 (GSM)
- Two-year warranty
Pros:
- Softness and Breath-ability
- Maintains shape and form
- Fairtrade
- Sustainable
- GOTS Certified
Cons:
- Not as many features as other brands
Looking Beyond the Hammock
While Nakie, La Siesta and Ecomundy lead the way with their hammocks, other creators are doing their part for sustainability and being eco-friendly warriors in their own way. This includes
- Vivere Eco-Friendly Tree Straps – Leaves little impact on the environment when used permanently or when camping.
- Hammock Univery Eco-Friendly Hammock Tree Straps – Leaving nothing but footprints behind, this accessory has minimal impact on trees.
- Nakie Bug Net – All Nakie’s bug nets are made from 25 plastic recycled bottles and are lightweight to carry.
- Nakie Titanium Products – From sports to grills to use when you’re camping, these titanium products are non-toxic, ultra-lightweight and non-corrosive.
How Recyclable Hammocks Help the Planet
It’s essential that consumers understand that not all hammocks are created equal. Some are exposed to a lot of pesticides, but others are organic or GOTS certified because they are making strides in the industry by being:
- Eco focused
- Planting trees for each product sold
- Using more sustainable methods for growing cotton
- Ethical job creation
- Employing long term strategies for a sustainable future
- Employing people whose infrastructure needs improving
These companies strive to change their growing practices, dyeing, weaving and finishing their creations to fit with the Eco standards consumers expect in this current climate.
Concluding Thoughts
Most people that enjoy using hammocks care about the environment in which they are using them in. We have seen the introduction of tree straps many years ago, designed to be kinder to the trees they are attached to. While that was a start, outdoor enthusiasts can now feel even better about their impact when using brands like Nakie, Ecomundy and La Siesta.
Not only are some hammock companies making their gear out of recycled materials, but they are also working towards creating better work environments for artisans, replanting trees and using more organic materials for a positive impact on the environment.
Where to from here? If you are thinking of purchasing a hammock, look at the Eco options, they are just as sturdy and long-lasting as other types, but you get to positively impact the environment both now and long-term. Want to know more? We answer your questions below.
Questions
- Are all the hammocks listed here recycled or recyclable?
In some form, these hammocks use sustainable or recycled products to create their hammocks. The Nakie brand uses plastic bottles to make theirs, and other brands use sustainable organic cotton and other measures.
- How are these hammocks created ethically?
Some of these hammocks use long term strategies towards a sustainable future like replanting trees, offering ethical jobs, grow their products with more sustainable choices, not using pesticides, and so many more practices.
- Are recycled and recyclable hammocks easy to set up?
These are no different to set up than any other hammock. The Nakie brand, for example, is said to be very quick, the record being 46 seconds, with no need to tie any knots.
- Do these hammocks have a warranty?
Each product has some type of warranty, but the Nakie brand again leads the way and offers a Lifetime Warranty. They are so confident in their product that this is their standard option.
- Can I wash my sustainable hammock?
Not only can you wash them, but they also recommend regularly cleaning your hammock, so they remain hygienic. Generally, these can be washed in the machine at certain temperatures or hosed down. It’s best to read the instructions thoroughly before cleaning your hammock to ensure you get the best out of it.
- What weight will a recycled or recyclable hammock take?
Each design has varying weight, and you should always check before making a purchase. Some designs hold up to 300kg, and most brands start around 120kg.
- What does GOTS mean?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is cotton that is even better than organic cotton. The entire production process from spinning, dyeing, weaving, finishing and transportation is carefully monitored. It provides a credible assurance to the consumer that the product is safe and good for the environment. You can identify a GOTS standard product by the green and white logo.