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PLANT BASED MATERIALS

Digital library

We recognize the importance of forests as major carbon sinks, and that the promotion and management of forest systems is critical in addressing climate change. As designers, we too play a role in promoting living forests and reducing carbon. 

Modest's primary focus is utilizing plant-based materials (carbon capturing) vs carbon emitting (synthetics), and supporting sustainable cultivation systems: We're particularly interested in systems that convert degraded landscapes - such as cattle ranches, back into forested landscapes that are sustainably managed and that support

small-scale farmers and rural communities. 

 

The following research is the work of students who over three years researched over 150 different species of plants from Central America that have been used traditionally as material sources. Information has been collected from a variety of sources (Wikipedia, Practicalplants.org, Plants For a Future - PFAF, scientific publications) and easily organized

with the designer-audience in mind. 

Central American Plants
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General Construction
Lower grade timber,
smaller species
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Plywood Species
Construction and furniture
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Veneer Species
Suitable for veneer production
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Hardwood Species
Construction and furniture
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Resin, Gum, Varnish
Wood finishing
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Rubber Latex
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Oil Production
Suitable for edible or finishing oils
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Cork Substitutes
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Seeds, Fruit
Used in beads, containers
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Textile, Cordage, Fiber
Alternatives to cotton
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Dyes, Mordants, Tannins
For textiles or wood
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Wax, Honey
Species that attract honeybees
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Paper Pulp
Suitable for paper production
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Endangered
Cultivate as a conservation strategy
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