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An increasing number of us are becoming more aware of our carbon footprint and the effect we’re having on the environment, and while looks, practicality and cost are generally at the top of our list when it comes to choosing new flooring, it has never been easier to choose an eco-friendly option. Read on to find out more…
How is a flooring sustainable?
The main thing to consider is whether the flooring you’re looking to purchase is from a sustainable source or not and how it is manufactured, sold and shipped. Flooring which can be recycled when it’s no longer needed instead of being dumped in a land-fill site, such as wood flooring or wool carpets are becoming more popular with this in mind.
What are the best choices?
Hardwood
Wood flooring has been immensely popular for years all around the world. It adds warmth, colour and an affluent look to your home, as well as being very durable and easy to clean – perfect if you have allergies as they don’t harbour dust! Once more it’s a great environmentally friendly option.
First things first, trees are renewable, but go for one that is plantation grown as opposed to one that’s chopped down from a natural forest. As well as this, it can be recycled at the end of its life, therefore saving on landfill. If you want to go one step further, then recycled wood is also available but be mindful as to which wood you chose, as sometimes they are treated with toxic chemicals which are potentially harmful to the environment.
Carpet
If you’re keen on carpet, natural renewable materials such as wool are best, or alternatively materials that have a production process that minimises environmental impact. Again, recycled carpet is also available.
The installation method is an important factor in carpet sustainability since glues used can be toxic. Instead, opt for tacking it down or glueing it with a water-based adhesive that has low VOCs.
Cork
Cork is relatively new to the flooring world – not a material typically associated with flooring! It’s a natural and renewable material – which is a good start when it comes to environmental concerns. Its anti-microbial properties make it good for those with allergies as well as being fire retardant. Much like wood, it can be finished in a variety of ways and tends to go well with different furnishings.
Concrete
Polished concrete is certainly an unlikely product when it comes to decorating our homes. We’re not going to recommend laying bare concrete down – but if it’s polished and tinted then it can look just as good as alternatives. It’s incredibly durable, easy to keep clean and will last even longer than real wood.
We know there are plenty of other flooring choices available, but if you’re environmentally savvy and want to do your part to help protect it, then these options are good places to start. They all differ in terms of durability so it is worth being aware of this as of course a flooring that lasts longer won’t need to be thrown away as often.
