Now more than ever, it is extremely important to be environmentally conscious. Gone are the days where it was acceptable to put harmful chemicals into the environment and into our home without anyone thinking twice. We have the knowledge now, and the power to actually do something that makes a difference. We now have more options that enable us to grow into a new era where we can make a difference to our world. Now, we can be proactive in lowering our carbon footprint.
There are so many aspects of our lives that we can adapt to be more eco-conscious, and home interior flooring can play a big role in going green. We have the technology to make smarter flooring decisions, and we can develop more sustainable flooring products for our homes that use non-toxic solutions. The eco-friendly
flooring options of today are more beautiful and sustainable than ever.
Linoleum
Linoleum is made from natural materials such as linseed oil, resins, recycled wood flour, cork dust, limestone, and is mounted on jute backing. It is naturally biodegradable and antibacterial.
Linoleum flooring is also naturally fire retardant and water-resistant. Sadly, it fell out of style because vinyl climbed in popularity. But, because of it’s incredible durability, it has gained popularity again. It will last a long time and is easy to maintain and clean.
Tile
Tile is a fantastic eco-friendly flooring option because it’s manufactured using natural materials. Many manufacturers create their tiles with a certain percentage of recycled materials. It’s a great option because of its inability to trap dust mites, mold, and bacteria. It’s also easy to clean. Simple soap and warm water are enough which means the use of toxic chemicals is not necessary. When well maintained, tiles can last a very long time.
Cork
Cork is a lovely, warm, and soft alternative to carpet flooring. For the most part, this option is eco-friendly. The bark is stripped off of a cork oak tree, which grows back and is stripped again every 9 years. These trees live for about 200 years and the forest is well maintained. Even the scraps leftover from the cork processing are reused.
The best thing about cork is that it’s completely recyclable, the sad thing is that it often ends up in the landfill anyway. That’s why it’s especially important to dispose of it properly. But, with all of this in mind,
cork flooring is a great eco-friendly choice because of it’s durability, natural water resistance, flexibility, and the warmth it can provide thanks to its natural ability to insulate a home.
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the most popular materials for eco-friendly flooring today. It is a type of environmentally friendly grass that is durable and easy to install. In addition to this, bamboo is sustainable, lightweight and easy to maintain.
Bamboo is grown naturally until it is mature. This process normally takes 3 to 5 years which is a lot quicker than others which can take 20 years plus to grow fully. In the same way that selective timber harvesting can promote forest growth, bamboo clearing offers the same benefits as it grows extremely quickly.
Bamboo flooring can last over 30 years, saving you a lot of money and having a more positive impact on the environment.
Hardwood
Deforestation makes
hardwood flooring a less eco-friendly option. This said, with reclaimed wood or FSC certified hardwood, this can be a viable choice that can make your home more sustainable. Reclaimed wood is a great option as it uses wood from trees that were cut down a long time ago.
There are also a lot of beautiful ways to use salvaged wood in your home beyond the flooring. FSC certified hardwood is designated by the Forest Stewardship Council. They have high environmental standards and promote the responsible management of forests. If you get this kind of hardwood, you can be sure that you will be using resources that promote longevity and sustainability.
Contact Carpet To Go
If you’re interested in eco-friendly flooring and carpeting options in Seattle,
contact Carpet To Go. Our team of experts will give you a free consultation and quote today!
