How to Be More Sustainable Through Our Flooring Choices
With many of us now being more and more aware of our carbon footprint, we look for any way that we can to become more environmentally friendly in our lives. This includes our purchases and flooring is no exception. With many factors to consider when choosing a new floor, you might think that you don’t have the scope to choose something environmentally friendly as well. However, it’s actually easier than you might think to choose an eco-friendly option. Read on to find out more…
What Makes Flooring Sustainable?
The main thing to consider is whether the flooring you’re looking at is from a sustainable source or not. This includes how it’s manufactured, sold and shipped to the suppliers and to you. Flooring which can be recycled at end of life is obviously preferred too. Even flooring that lasts longer will reduce the amount of wastage, so think of longevity before making a purchase and opt for a timeless look, rather than something trendy.
So, What Are the Best Choices?
Wood flooring has been incredibly popular for centuries. It adds warmth, sophistication and a luxurious look to your home. It is ideal if anyone in your household suffers from allergies as it doesn’t harbour any dust or debris. Alongside all of this, it’s very environmentally friendly!
Wood comes from trees which are renewable. Where possible go for a flooring that’s from plantation grown trees rather than a natural forest. As well as this, wood can be recycled at the end of its life and used for many other different purposes. If you want to go one step further, then recycled wood is also available but be mindful of which ones you choose, as sometimes they are treated with toxic chemicals which can be harmful to the environment or your health. Wood flooring is also very durable and likely to last a lifetime, so this very much reduces the wastage.
Carpet
If you’re keen on carpet like most people are, natural renewable materials such as wool are best or alternatively materials that have a production process that minimises environmental impact. You can even go for recycled carpet.
Installation methods are very important to consider when it comes to carpet. Glue can be toxic to the environment, so instead opt for tacking it down or gluing with a water-based adhesive with low VOCs.
Cork
Although it’s not a material that’s typically associated with flooring, cosk is a great material that is both natural and renewable, which is a good start when it comes to environmental concerns. Its anti-microbial properties make it ideal for those with allergies and its fire resistant too. It can also be finished in a variety of ways – much like wood – so it can complement many different furnishing themes.
Concrete
Although you might think it’s a strange material to use for your floor, concrete has really taken off in recent years. When concrete is polished and tinted it can look just as good as alternatives along with incredible durability that’s nearly unbeatable.
There are plenty of other flooring choices available, but if you are concerned about the environment and want to do all you can to reduce your impact on the planet, then these flooring options are good places to start.
