Aluminum
Special
Care Note: Our recycled aluminum furniture and accessories are highly durable. However, aluminum is a relatively soft
metal. Some care needs to be taken to avoid heavy scratching or gouging in order to protect the clean finish.
A brushed aluminum surface will mask most minor scratches. Our aluminum items are far from fragile, however. They
are sturdy and heavy pieces.
Properties: Aluminum is a remarkably lightweight, soft, and corrosion-resistant
metal, and one of the most abundant elements on Earth. It was first used in design during the
Art Deco period.
Environmental Issues: Aluminum is one of the most abundant and useful materials
today, but its extraction from bauxite mines deep in the Earth (or open pit mining on the surface) is environmentally destructive,
requires large quantities of energy, and its inappropriate disposal can cause problems for wildlife and even potential health
hazards for humans. Without mining another ounce of aluminum from the Earth, there is enough aluminum in current use,
in landfills, and in recycling regimes to supply the world's aluminum needs for generations. Although bauxite mines
can be restored, buying only recycled aluminum is the best way of preventing the negative consequences entirely. If
you must dispose of any aluminum item, please do not throw it away. Recycle it.
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| Open Pit Bauxite Mine |
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| Bauxite Mining Operation |
Stainless Steel
Special Care Note: Stainless
steel is extremely durable, but it can be scratched or gouged if it comes into contact with other hard materials such as other
hard metals or stone. Special care should be taken to prevent scratching. Small scratches can easily be buffed
out with a soft cloth. We recommend cleaning with a water-based solution, or window cleaner. Just take care not
to get these cleaners on wood, leather, or fabric.
Properties: Stainless steel is a type of steel (iron and carbon)
resistant to rust and corrosion and is ideal when durability and strength are required. A thin, invisible layer of chromium
oxide coats the steel sealing out oxygen to prevent rust, and gives it its brilliant luster. First developed as a material
used in gun barrels, stainless steel was used most profusely in design during the Art Deco period.
Environmental Issues: The iron ore needed to produce stainless steel must be mined, which can be environmentally
destructive. Enormous amounts of fossil fuels are required to mine iron ore and manufacture steel. We recommend
looking for recycled steel products. And if you must dispose of a steel item, don't throw it away. Recycle
it.
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| Iron ore being mined - click on photo for larger view |
