| We're all a lot more concerned about the state of the | | | | Carpet is usually thought of as a very environmentally |
| environment and our effect on it than we used to be. | | | | unfriendly flooring material, since the vast majority of it |
| Construction is one of the areas that has a huge | | | | is produced from petroleum and is not biodegradable |
| impact on the world around us. By choosing more | | | | or recyclable. Carpet tiles produced with an eye |
| environmentally friendly, sustainable products and | | | | towards the health of the environment are an |
| installation methods, we can decrease the damage we | | | | exception. The tile format allows only damaged areas |
| do to the environment. | | | | to need replacing, rather than the whole carpet and |
| Here are a few environmentally friendly flooring options | | | | manufacturers like Heuga which attempt to reduce |
| you might choose over more conventional products: | | | | waste, eliminate toxins and use renewable energy can |
| Bamboo | | | | produce more environmentally friendly carpet products. |
| This rapidly growing woody grass can be harvested | | | | Sustainable Wood Flooring |
| every three to five years and requires minimal | | | | Hardwood and laminate floorings are another area |
| fertilizers and pesticides. That means that correctly | | | | where you might not think environmentally friendly |
| grown, bamboo flooring is extremely good for the | | | | practices are possible. However, hardwood floors are |
| environment. However, it's worth noting that some | | | | long lasting and products produced using responsible |
| producers are not using the best methods - know | | | | practices, including replanting and careful harvesting, |
| where your bamboo is coming from and how it's | | | | can be quite environmentally friendly. Look for floors |
| grown before you buy. | | | | that use non-toxic finishes and adhesives if they're a |
| Installing bamboo floors gives you a flooring material | | | | Loc-type floor and sustainably produced and |
| that's extremely durable and very easy to maintain. | | | | harvested wood. |
| Bamboo's unique look and feel complement many | | | | Another less common ecologically friendly type of |
| different decorating schemes are are extremely | | | | wood flooring is reclaimed wood. This comes from |
| attractive. Heat treated bamboo is available in darker | | | | buildings and other areas that would have been torn |
| colours, but be aware that the darker the bamboo is, | | | | down and the materials wasted. Some reclaimed |
| the less strength remains. | | | | wood even comes from the bottom of lakes, much of |
| Marmoleum | | | | this wood is of very high quality, but it often requires |
| This product is made from wood flour (usually from | | | | significant processing before use, making reclaimed |
| waste wood), linseed oil, jute, limestone and pine rosin. | | | | wood flooring expensive in many cases. |
| It's easy to produce, anti-static, very clean and Once | | | | Natural Plant Fiber Flooring |
| this material has lived out its life, it biodegrades easily. | | | | Mats and carpeting made from fibers like sisal, coir |
| This floor is an excellent type for those with allergies, | | | | (coconut fiber) and jute are also much more |
| as it offers no place for dust mites to hide. There are | | | | environmentally friendly than ordinary carpeting or |
| many colours and designs available and this material | | | | petroleum derived fiber mats. They provide a rustic |
| wears well. | | | | look to your home, are easy to care for and their |
| Sustainably Produced Carpet Tiles | | | | durable surface means a long life too. |