As a nation, we are slowly becoming more conscious of our environment as well as our impact upon it. Companies are now providing eco-friendly options for things like paper products, cleaning materials, and so much more. But did you know that you can go green even in your choice of flooring? If you are striving to make your life more eco-friendly, here are a few things to consider when finding flooring.
Sustainability – What resources are necessary to replenish the materials used in the flooring you are considering? How easily are the materials renewed? The materials that rate the best as far as sustainability include cork, bamboo, and most resources used to make linoleum.
Energy expended – How are the materials harvested and prepared to make the flooring? For instance, stone tiles require a great deal of energy in harvesting and production. Heavy machinery is required to harvest the stone, and greater force is necessary to create the finished product as a result of the hard material. The less energy necessary to create the flooring, the better.
Recycled material – Flooring experts are beginning to offer customers recycled flooring options. Recycled flooring options can include laminate, hardwood, tile, and carpet. With recycled flooring, there is less impact upon the environment since new resources do not need to be gathered.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) – VOC’s are carbon-based chemical compounds that can be hazardous to human health as well as the environment. These compounds can be found in certain types of flooring materials and adhesives. The most common of these VOC’s is Formaldehyde. Obviously, you will want to avoid such materials for the wellbeing of the planet and your loved ones.
Disposal – No matter what type of flooring you choose, eventually it will wear out and need to be replaced. When searching for eco-friendly flooring, be sure to consider how eco-friendly the finished product will be when you are finished with it.
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