Do you want to make your Bean Bags environmentally friendly? In Australia, we love our relaxed lifestyle but we also respect the environment and care for it. Environmentally friendly bean bag filling is a great alternative to the more typical synthetic fillers such as polystyrene beads or foam beads.
By using natural materials that are biodegradable and free of toxins or chemicals, you’ll be doing your bit to save the planet. You can also use recycled materials to save that substance going to land fill.
Dried Beans for Bean Bags
It is thought that the first bean bags were invented by the Egyptians in around 2000BC. They would commonly use dried beans in leather pouches to play with. You can still use dried beans as a filling for your modern day bean bags. Dried beans can be used in combination with other materials to create the feel that suits your needs. Dried beans tend to be quite heavy so that may be suited to windy outdoor areas.
Sawdust for Bean Bag Filling
Sawdust is a waste material that can be used as an inexpensive bean bag filling. Bean bags filled with sawdust are economically appealing however, you’ll need to be careful about the type of timber the sawdust is made from. Some sawdust will contain toxins and chemicals that may not be safe, particularly for those that suffer allergies.
Cedar Shavings for Bean Bag Filling
Cedar shavings are simply timber shavings specifically made from cedar. They can be a fantastic, natural bean bag filling. Cedar shavings tend to hold its shape better than most other alternatives which makes it a great option. Cedar has a beautiful fragrance and is naturally water repellent which makes it a wonderful bean bag filling for outdoor use.
Hay for Bean Bag Filling
Hay is a option for bean bag filling for those on a budget and live in the country where hay may be readily available. Bean bags filled with hay have a comfortable feel and some people prefer this type of bean bag as they can be squeezed and pushed into various shapes. Bean bags filled with hay can take a few weeks to settle in. Hay does hold its shape well but doesn’t mould into different shapes as easily as other fillings do.
Old Clothing Used as Bean Bag Filling
Recycling old materials is one of the best things you can do for the environment. Bean bags filled with old clothes and other similar materials like torn up sheets or blankets are a perfect way to re-use and recycle. Bean bag fillings made from recycled material can provide you with an eco-friendly bean bag option that is also soft, pliable and comfortable.
Plastic Shopping Bags as Bean Bag Filling
This might sound counter-intuitive however old grocery bags are a wonderful, environmentally friendly bean bag filling. By reusing this waste material you’re saving it from going to landfill. While plastic bags are being phased out, you’ll still find they are used for home deliveries here in Australia. Bean bags filled with plastic shopping bags will provide you with a firm but flexible material that is perfect for sitting on because it moulds well into the shape of your body and doesn’t lose its form easily.
Recycled Stuffing as Bean Bag Filling
Many old materials you plan to throw out could make the perfect bean bag fillings. Old pillows, cushion or kids soft toys could be perfect. It’s best to chop up the items into small pieces to avoid a lumpy feel. Bean bags filled with recycled materials are not only environmentally friendly they can help save your budget too.
The Right Combination for Your Family!
It’s very difficult to replicate the feel of common polystyrene bean bag fillings, however with a bit of experimentation you should find environmentally friendly options you are happy with.
Typically bean bag beans are made of small foam ball made from “expanded polystyrene beans,” Although this material can be recycled, it isn’t easy to do. Rather than send your old beans to landfill, you could top up your bean bag using some of the materials mentioned above.
We hope you find these ideas helpful and recommend you experiment with materials to get the right look and feel that is right for you and your family. You’ll also need to check out any health related concerns, particularly for those family members that might suffer from allergies. You’ll also need to consider any toxins that may be found lurking in the materials you choose.
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