Friday, December 18, 2009
Renewable Flooring
My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222
Renewable flooring has been increasing in popularity year after year. Not necessarily because it will help the environment (that is an added bonus), but because it saves money. The newer eco-friendly floors out there are more durable, last longer and conserve energy better than anything else out there.
Cork flooring is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, thus the trees do not need to be cut down, and instead the bark is harvested making this a renewable resource. The advancements in cork flooring are amazing. They have a wide variety of colors and patterns now. Cork has acoustical properties as well as anti-microbial and insulation properties.
Ceramic tile and stone is inherently low in toxicity, is fire and water resistant, and provides easy maintenance. Most tiles are made of natural clays and minerals, which can be mined with a low impact to the environment. In addition to this many manufacturers are now using recycled materials in their tile products.
Hardwood flooring is and will be a traditional staple. To ensure its eco-friendliness there are now organizations that guarantee if a product is coming from a well managed forest. Look for the FSC certification. The Forest Steward Council is an independent, not-for-profit organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.
Carpet is still the #1 flooring of choice and even that is going environmentally friendly, more and more places are recycling their carpets. They are also creating carpet with lower VOC’s. VOC stands for volatile organic compound, which is a toxin that releases into the air and creates poor air quality. When looking into carpet not only look for low VOC’s and recycled content but also look into the company’s policies and standards for their business. The carpet industry has a big impact on its environment.
Here is a quick qualification guideline for sustainable flooring you can ask when looking for your flooring.
1. Is it manufactured with high-recycled content?
2. Are materials and adhesives low VOC’s?
3. Is the product derived from rapidly renewable resources?
4. Is it made of natural nontoxic materials?
