As we transition from spring to summer, it's interesting to reflect on the role of cork in the advancement of food preservation and storage. The earliest food preservation methods involved cave and pit storage, leveraging cooler underground temperatures to extend the lifespan of fruits, vegetables, and meats. Over time, ice was incorporated into these storage systems, further lowering the temperature. One notable example is the ice pit at the Jamestown settlement. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that technological progress led to an invention that laid the foundation for a common household appliance we rely on today.

The cork oak tree (Quercus suber) is a fascinating species that thrives in the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Europe and Western Africa. It's not just its ability to flourish in regions with ample sunshine but limited rainfall that's intriguing. The cork oak tree has a unique bark structure, allowing the outer two layers of bark to be harvested while the inner layer regrows, a process that protects the tree and makes it a sustainable resource.

Unlike many North American and northern European forests, cork forests are characterized by widely spaced trees, which often leave plains-like grassy areas between them. This makes these forests ideal for other agricultural uses while also allowing for the growth of other indigenous vegetation. These additional agricultural uses can be seen when you take a winding road trip through southern Portugal's Montados.

Are you looking to winter-proof your home this fall? Cork flooring might be an excellent option, especially if you want to insulate a ground floor or an area above an unheated garage. However, before you commit to buying and installing cork flooring, there are some things you should consider. Here is our list of the benefits of cork flooring and a few things you should know before you buy.

Globally, wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive due to climate change, reduced old-growth forests, and new construction developments encroaching on forests. The climate has become hotter and dryer in the Mediterranean over the last half-century, making the land more susceptible to large and difficult-to-control fires. Increased fire danger is exacerbated by the increased quantity of fast-growing so-called "cash crops" like eucalyptus, which burn much more easily than native plants such as the cork oak tree. 

Ever wonder why you are performing a mindful, longevity practice on something made of plastic? We had the same question! 

As it turns out, cork is one of the best sustainable materials to make a yoga mat! I have listed our 5 top reasons you should be using a cork yoga mat below. 

We all aspire to achieve sustainability in building, but it can be an overwhelming and daunting task at times. The definitions of sustainability and best practices can appear at first glance to be actively in conflict as we try to make our homes, offices, and other buildings healthier for humans and the planet. Learn more about sustainable building materials and practices here!

One of the most helpful things, when you have multiple projects in progress, is a way to contain your supplies in one space, so everything is always where you need it! It's handy for traveling or taking your projects to work on the go.    I love using cork inside my project bags as it is more durable than cot

In the ever-growing sustainable building material market, there are dozens of choices for your project, but how do you know which material is the best for your unique space? The intended use and traffic of a room, concerns such as direct sunlight and temperature control, and cost are all factors that may help you pick the best material for your project. 

At times, the definition of sustainability and the best use practices can be in conflict. We all want to fill our homes with more sustainable and healthy materials, but how can we do that in the most sustainable way possible?

Cork is one of the world's under-appreciated renewable resources. Each cork tree planted plays a vital role in reducing CO2 in our air and releasing pure O2 for us to breathe. While it performs this crucial process, the tree is hiding its biggest secret in plain sight.

Sustainable use practices have garnered attention in recent years as individuals and companies take a more holistic view of sustainability and the environmental impact of their decisions. For decades, we have been thinking in terms of the three R's: "reduce, reuse and recycle."

As a homeowner, you want to make your home the best place it can be. And with climate change affecting everyone, including homeowners, it's essential to consider more eco-friendly options when updating your house.

For many of us, creating a garden is about creating an escape from everyday life. It's creating a little oasis where we can be surrounded by the beauty of nature and breathe deeply. But, as we build our garden getaway, we should consider the impact of our materials on the greater world. There are many natural and sustainable gardening alternatives to traditional plastic pots, netting, and mulch. You can mount orchids on cork bark flats and tubes, use a cork bark planter to house perennials, and cork granules can even be used as mulch.

One of the most frequent questions that we are asked is, what really is cork? We love getting this question and being able to discuss the unique properties of cork and the cork oak tree.