Bean bags have been around for a long time, originally made with cloth bags filled with dried beans. Today, they are filled with synthetic materials like Styrofoam beads or shredded foam. Natural fillings like peas or rice are also available. Recycled materials can be used to inflate flattened bean bag chairs.
The bean bag is one of the oldest concepts for toys, with the simplest construction method: a cloth bag filled with dried beans and used as a doll or ball. In the 1960s, the sleeping bag concept was adapted to furniture, and the bean bag chair has remained a favorite for children’s rooms and college dorm rooms. Most ottomans today are filled with a variety of different synthetic materials to make them lighter than their traditional counterparts. The bean bag fill is most commonly made with Styrofoam beads, although other fill types are available. You can opt for a natural filling for your ottoman, which saves you money while keeping our planet a little cleaner.
The most common and widely available type of synthetic bean bag filler is Styrofoam beads. These little foam beads move and move easily, which gives the bean bag its signature snug comfort. Styrofoam beads can be purchased in “virgin” varieties, which are new, unused beads manufactured specifically for use as a bean bag filler. Recycled beads are also available; This type of bean bag filler is made from excess or leftover polystyrene from other manufacturing processes. It is remilled and reshaped to look similar to virgin pearls, but it usually costs less and prevents factory waste from ending up in landfills.
Another widely available bean bag filler is shredded foam filler. It is typically made from polyurethane foam, similar to the foam used in sofas and chairs. The foam is broken up into small pieces and springs back to shape after it is flattened, meaning the bean bag chair won’t have to be refilled as often. The resulting chair has a different feel than a traditional bean bag chair; softer, but less fluid than polystyrene beads. As a compromise, you can purchase a blended filler that contains both shredded foam and polystyrene beads, combining the benefits of both types of synthetic filler.
If you’re looking for green alternatives to foam beads for bean bag toys, there are many natural alternatives like dried peas, beans, rice, or unpopped popcorn. Keep in mind that natural, food-based fillings can attract parasites and need extra protection against moisture damage. These pads might be too heavy for beanbag chairs, but you still have an eco-friendly option: recycle items around the house. Styrofoam packing peanuts, a cut-out foam mattress topper, and even extra plastic grocery bags can be used to inflate the flattened bean bag chair. A quick look around your home or neighborhood will likely reveal many other materials that can be recycled for use in your chair, saving you money and protecting the environment.
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