Thursday 19 November 2020

Choosing Sustainable Flooring For Your Home


What is sustainability?

It has become a popular catch-phrase within our society.

Sustainability refers to the avoidance of this depletion of natural resources within our society to be able to maintain an environmental balance. The more we understand about that which harms our planet, the more we find ways to alter what we do to make equilibrium around the world.

That means doing what's ideal for the world. Paying attention to deforestation and the way we handle crop rotation. Preventing the manufacturing and use of VOC -- volatile organic compounds -- which harm everything out of our water to our air source, to our health. Investing in technology to enhance efficiencies of everything we do.

As buyers, we are now more conscious than ever about the goods we bring in our own lives. We've started discovering what materials are employed, in which they are sourced from, and how they impact our world.

And once you pay attention, you can no more ignore.

What makes a floor sustainable?

If you desire to put in a sustainable floor, it's important to know what that means. It's about finding the right decision to reduce your carbon footprint. It's about finding a choice that is eco-friendly.

And it's more than that also. It's not simply the product itself. It is about every aspect, including:

  • The manufacturing process
  • The Distribution chain
  • What natural resources are Utilized
  • Lifespan
  • Recycling

The whole process, from beginning production to the way the product is disposed of at end of life should be taken into consideration.

What are some of the top rated sustainable flooring alternatives out there?

Cork is a strong, durable cloth you can use on floors throughout your home. It is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree found on trees throughout the Mediterranean. Because the bark grows every 3 decades, it is an ideal renewable resource. It has antimicrobial properties that could help improve the air quality of your dwelling. It is also fire retardant, which makes it a fantastic choice all across the Rocky Mountain area.

Granite -- bamboo is another floor material growing in popularity. Bamboo is not a shrub, but rather, is a bud. It's a sustainable option as this natural plant grows to adulthood in three to five years. Though it's created from grass, it has the qualities of hardwood. Its varied grains can produce intricate patterns, and it is available in a wide variety of colors.

Linoleum -- do not confuse linoleum with vinyl; both are different products. Vinyl is made from a synthetic material, which may be bad for the environment. Linoleum consists of linseed oil, cork dust, tree resin, wood flour, ground limestone, and natural pigments. This gives it similar attributes to what you love about silk. It is both flame retardant and water resistant, which makes it the perfect selection for many rooms in your home. This is not a new product; you might remember it from the grandmother's home. It fell out of favor with the introduction of vinyl. Linoleum was much more difficult to keep dozens of decades before. However, using its reemergence, you'll discover vibrant colors, new sealants, and durability that will withstand anything your family dishes outside.

Glass tiles -- glass tiles might not be the perfect selection for every circumstance, but if you select them for your home, you're going to enjoy the results. Yes, it is possible to install glass tiles as flooring. Think similar product characteristics as ceramic tiles. What's more, you can locate glass tiles recycled from a variety of merchandise, such as wine bottles. That could be an ideal addition to your own wine cellar. Of course, glass tiles also work well in different programs -- your toilet shower, the backsplash on your kitchen. When you see the infinite array of colors, patterns, and finishes, you are going to discover the ideal choice for each situation.

Wool carpet -- a great deal of carpet is made of synthetic materials. But if you like the feel of carpet, and want a sustainable floor option, look no farther than wool carpet. It's soft, comfy, warm, and comes in a wide variety of shades and patterns. While many carpeting materials on the market today are made with volatile organic compounds, wool carpet is all eco-friendly and natural. It's one of the first substances used for floor coverings, and owing to its strength and durability, is frequently passed down from generation to generation.

Hardwood floors -- hardwood floors is still among the most popular flooring options throughout the Front Range. Obviously, not each hardwood floors option is sustainable; you will want to look closely at the manufacturer you select. There is a good deal of advertising going on making sure buzzwords seem better than they're.

Green may be used if any portion of the procedure has ecological price. If a floor is made from a recycled material, by way of instance, it may be marketed as green, even when the whole manufacturing process from start to end-of-life is not sustainable. That is why it's very important to listen and ask questions to some product that you decide on.

Sustainability starts with farming. Is the wood harvested from sustainably grown forests? Are sustainable choices used throughout the manufacturing process? Renewable energy from the factories? Sustainable transport for getting the product ready for delivery?

You can also start looking for products and materials that are properly certified from places like the Greenguard Environmental Institute. This can be an industry-independent, third party, non-profit firm that offers three certificate programs to assist you identify products and materials that meet certain qualifications. To achieve the certificate, products must fulfill field-validated and prerequisites criteria in order to meet the requirements. They need to also demonstrate the use of reduced chemical and particle emissions.

Whatever flooring option you choose, spend a little extra time considering how it was manufactured. When you pay attention, you can choose one that works well for your family and your property.

Is sustainable flooring in your future?