In the beautiful islands of Hawaii, the concept of saunas is gradually finding its place, both for relaxation and health benefits. Traditional saunas often rely on certain materials that may have an environmental impact. However, there are indeed some promising eco - friendly alternatives.
One of the main traditional sauna materials is wood. In Hawaii, while local hardwoods like Koa have been used in some cases, over - harvesting of these precious woods can be a concern. An alternative could be bamboo. Bamboo is a highly renewable resource. It grows rapidly, often maturing within a few years compared to decades for some hardwoods. It has excellent thermal properties, making it suitable for sauna construction. Bamboo can be processed into panels or slats that can form the walls and benches of a sauna.
Another aspect to consider is the insulation material. Instead of using synthetic foams which are often petroleum - based and not biodegradable, natural materials like sheep's wool can be used. Sheep's wool is a great insulator. It is also a natural, renewable resource. In Hawaii, where there is a growing interest in sustainable and local products, wool from local sheep farms could potentially be sourced. Wool can help maintain the heat inside the sauna while being an environmentally friendly option.
For the flooring, instead of using non - porous and potentially non - biodegradable tiles, cork could be an option. Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees in a sustainable manner. The trees are not cut down for this purpose. Cork has a natural resistance to heat and moisture, which is ideal for a sauna environment. It also provides a comfortable and natural feel underfoot.
In addition, the use of recycled materials can play a role. For example, recycled glass could be incorporated into the design in a decorative way, such as in a mosaic on the sauna walls. Recycled metal can be used for the sauna's heating elements or framework, reducing the need for newly mined and processed metals.
The adoption of these eco - friendly alternatives in Hawaii's saunas not only helps to reduce the environmental impact but also aligns with the overall ethos of the islands, which values sustainability, respect for nature, and the preservation of local ecosystems. By choosing these alternatives, we can enjoy the pleasures of a sauna while also being kind to the environment that makes Hawaii so special.