Mirrors are a part of our daily life. For some, they are a means of decorating their homes. On the other hand, others use them for personal grooming. What kind of mirrors do you have at your home? Plastic ones? Are you aware of their environmental impact? They are a serious threat to nature. To eliminate their harmful effects, the concept of a sustainable mirror came into effect. You can observe the home decor markets flooded with lots of sustainable mirror options all around. Let’s learn about them in more detail today.
The importance of sustainable mirrors
The very first question that might arise in everyone’s minds is about the significance of these mirrors, why are they so important? Start by comparing sustainable options with your conventional mirrors. What are your traditional mirrors made up of? Glass and a reflective backing of silver or aluminum, right? Do you believe that the derivation of these elements is in favor of the environment? Not at all. The production processes of these mirrors release a lot of carbon dioxide into the environment. Not only this, but it also uses non-renewable resources like metals and involves many harmful chemicals like lead and mercury.
On the other hand, sustainable options like a mirror vinyl record aim to reduce these impacts. As they use pre-existing materials, they reduce a lot of environmental waste, prevent the release of harmful gasses, and are energy-efficient methods. As the concerns regarding environmental degradation are increasing, it has become more important to focus on sustainable options for home decor as well.
Step 1: Sourcing sustainable materials
To start the production process of a sustainable vinyl mirror, there is a need for raw materials. The two most important components of a mirror are the glass and the reflective coating.
In traditional glass mirrors, there used to be melting of silica, soda ash, and limestone at very high temperatures. This process used to consume a lot of energy which is not in the favour of the environment at all. That’s why the brands choose sustainable options like recycled glass, low-iron glass, tempered or toughened glass, etc.
For reflective coatings of the vinyl mirror, non-toxic options are water-based, lead-free, mercury-free, recycled aluminum or silver coatings, etc.
Step 2: Adopting energy-efficient manufacturing
Generally, when traditional glass mirrors are made, they consume a lot of energy. That’s why sustainable options including solar and wind energy have been adopted to make a vinyl record mirror. Additionally, many brands also use advanced energy-efficient furnaces during glass melting and annealing to save energy. Also, the coating processes are done at lower temperatures comparatively.
Step 3: Reducing waste and recycling
In sustainable manufacturing, one of the most important parts is waste reduction. In the production process of an eco-friendly mirror of vinyl, the producers follow these practices to reduce and re-use by-products of the process:
Glass cutting waste
In the cutting process, the created scrap glass is recycled into new products. If it is not possible, then the producers re-melt it to create fresh glass sheets.
Metal residues
The reflective coating process creates a lot of excess metal. Hence, the producers try to collect and reuse it for some purpose instead of letting it end up in landfills.
Packaging waste
In the case of mirror vinyl, there is no such packaging waste as there is in the case of traditional mirrors. The former is shipped in biodegradable or recyclable packaging. As a result, there is less environmental impact of transportation.
Step 4: Non-toxic adhesives and finishes
To frame a mirror, what is used? An adhesive, right? So, in the case of making a sustainable mirror, it needs to be sustainable, i.e. non-toxic material. In the traditional mirrors, the producers used adhesives having non-volatile compounds that can escalate the degrading situation for the environment. To prevent the same, sustainable mirrors use water-based adhesives and natural or recycled frames. This way, the end product becomes safe for human use as well as nature is also protected.
Step 5: Extending the product life cycle
Making a vinyl record mirror needs to be a durable process. Only then, the buyers will trust the products. For this purpose, the manufacturers provide repair kits along with the product to extend its usability.
When the sustainable mirrors go out of use, one can disassemble and recycle them to reduce landfill waste significantly.
The role of consumers
While manufacturers play a very important role in making a mirror vinyl, consumers are also significant in various ways:
Choosing a recycled or certified vinyl mirror
As an eco-conscious buyer, you can support such brands offering recycled mirrors.
Proper disposal
As your old mirror goes out of use, do not just throw it in the landfill. Instead, dispose of and recycle it properly in the safe hands.
DIY upcycling
If you can make something creative out of your old mirrors, nothing can be as good as this for the environment.
Conclusion
Overall, the whole process of making a sustainable mirror involves collecting eco-friendly materials and then sourcing them as per the requirements. If you go with a vinyl mirror, you can preserve the old legacy of music.