At an increasingly crucial juncture in its evolution, our planet faces significant environmental threats such as global warming, pollution, as well as depletion of natural resources. Now more than ever, it is important that we make sustainable and eco-conscious decisions in everyday life. Many of us forget flooring when it comes to protecting the environment.
Producing, transporting, and installing conventional floors have an adverse environmental impact. Thus, it makes sense to explore alternatives like environmentally-friendly flooring installations. These not only reduce ecological impact but also often come with extra advantages such as higher durability and improved indoor air quality. So, how can you choose the appropriate option? This guide is here to help you make an informed choice in environmentally-friendly flooring.
Let’s begin without wasting a minute!
Understanding What Makes Flooring Eco-Friendly
The key to selecting eco-friendly flooring options is understanding what constitutes green characteristics in each flooring option. This can be broken down into a few key criteria.
Sustainability: Sustainability refers to how renewable a resource is. Bamboo or cork flooring materials are considered more eco-friendly because their roots regenerate faster than hardwood trees.
Production Process: How is flooring made? Does its production produce emissions and use an excessive amount of energy? A more environmentally-friendly manufacturing process would be preferable.
Transportation: Flooring materials that don’t need to be shipped long distances generally have a lower carbon footprint.
Lifespan: How long will this flooring last before needing replacement? The longer its life cycle is, the fewer resources will need to be invested into its recreation and replacement.
Explore Different Environmentally Friendly Flooring Options
Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing grass, and this property makes it an eco-friendly material option that comes in various finishes – it even makes an excellent hardwood replacement! But be wary of those vendors who sell bamboo coated with harmful chemicals!
Cork: Cork flooring is made from sustainable cork oak trees that don’t cut down to harvest their bark for use as the flooring material. Cork also acts as an effective natural insulator, keeping your space warm in winter and cool in summer.
Linoleum: Not to be mistaken with vinyl flooring, real linoleum is composed of linseed oil, rosin, cork dust, wood flour, and various minerals – it’s biodegradable and has an expected lifespan of 40 years!
Reclaimed Hardwood: For a unique aesthetic and reduced demand for new timber, try opting for reclaimed hardwood salvaged from old buildings or barns. Reclaimed timber offers many benefits and lessens the demand for resources that come from factories producing it.
Evaluate Durability and Maintenance
It is crucial that when choosing eco-friendly flooring options, durability should always be taken into consideration. A longer-lasting floor means fewer resources will be wasted over time in replacing it more frequently. Research the specific maintenance needs for each flooring type before selecting one you can commit to taking care of (for instance, bamboo can last years while still needing regular refinishing to look fresh).
Consider Indoor Air Quality
Traditional flooring releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air that may pose health concerns, while eco-friendly flooring options usually emit fewer VOCs into the atmosphere. GreenGuard certification indicates that products meet stringent chemical emissions limits.
Verify Certifications
Reputable environmental certifications can assist in making green choices. Examples of certifications to consider for wood products include Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC ensures that wood harvesting is done so sustainably.
GreenGuard certification ensures reduced chemical emissions. Cradle to Cradle certification evaluates whether products are safe for humans and the environment as well as designed with longevity in mind.
Think Local
Aim to source materials as locally as possible whenever possible to reduce transportation emissions while supporting local businesses at the same time. Doing this not only cuts emissions but also supports economic development in your own region.
Recyclability
Think about how you can recycle or biodegrade your flooring material once it reaches the end of its useful life. Materials easily recycled or biodegraded are much better than those that end up in a landfill.
Expert Support for Your Eco-Friendly Flooring Journey
Making eco-friendly decisions in our homes is an invaluable way to support a sustainable future. When it comes to flooring options that support sustainability, Environmentally friendly options abound – just explore various materials, check certifications, and consider indoor air quality or recyclability before making a final decision that’s good for both you and the planet! Remember, every small step we take towards sustainability counts, so next time, purchase new floors by keeping eco-friendliness in mind.TMB Construction & Restoration experts help you with eco-friendly flooring installation- including, Hardwood and Carpet flooring. In addition to this, we also provide maintenance services so that your floor looks pristine and remains free of wear and tears for several years. If you need any assistance, call or email us, we are always there to help you.
