Humans have been crafting eco-friendly flooring options for hundreds of years without even knowing it. Different cultures utilized natural stones and tiles made of clay to furnish their homes. Around the 17th century, Baroque designers began to cut planks of wood to craft hardwood flooring. However, these materials were used out of necessity and the desire to craft fashionable materials, not because they were eco-friendly. Today, people are demanding natural options that reduce the impact on the environment. Going green means that conscious consumers are transforming their homes to reduce the impact on the environment and to meet with current trends.
Going Green Means More Options
One of the most positive influences that environmentalism has on the flooring industry is the availability of options. Almost every year, a new environmentally friendly option becomes to the public. Here is a list of some options available:
- Bamboo Planks
- Certified Hardwood Planks
- Cork Tile
- Leather Flooring
- Wool Carpet
- Granite
- Limestone
- Marble
- Travertine
- Slate
- Quartzite
- Sisal
- Jute
- Hemp
- Seagrass
- Coir
- Recycled Glass Tiles
- Recycled Rubber
- Polyester Fiber
All of these options offer interesting solutions to find eco-friendly options. For example, polyester fiber, or polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T), is made from recycled plastic. This offers conscious consumers a carbon-footprint free option that also tackles the problem of excess waste in the United States. Another interesting solution is the use of grasses or plants, such as bamboo, sisal, jute, hemp, seagrass, and coir. All of these options can easily be grown and crafted into mats or planks. Some consumers consider linoleum and saltillo tile to be eco-friendly. This is largely because the processes utilized to make these flooring materials involves significantly fewer chemicals and toxins.
Going Green Means Fewer Chemicals and Toxins
Some materials used to manufacture tiles and flooring options contain harmful chemicals or toxins. Some types of vinyl flooring have been found to contain various harmful chemicals in them. Materials that are not eco-friendly are not always harmful to the homeowner. However, these materials will almost always leave a footprint on the environment when they are manufactured. One aspect of going green means that materials are constructed from natural resources, so they will not contain toxins. For example, bamboo stalks are grown and cut to create bamboo planks. To learn more about the benefits of bamboo flooring, check out this link. Additionally, natural stones such as granite and limestone can be found in the earth. The material can be mined and cut into smaller tiles. The processes by which bamboo planks or natural tiles are cut and refined typically don’t involve harmful toxins, so consumers can rest easy.
Are Options Durable and Sustainable?
Environmental values are already changing the market, as we know it. Going green means that people will desire sustainable solutions. Some eco-friendly options are not exactly made to last. The materials will start to warp or crack depending on the climate of the area. For example, if the climate is too humid, bamboo flooring will begin to expand and crack due to the moisture. Once it becomes dry again, the bamboo will shrivel causing it to warp. Additionally, eco-friendly floorings can be prone to staining and color-loss, depending on elements that the material is exposed to. For example, cork flooring will begin to lose its color if the material is exposed to too much sunlight. This is why individuals are looking for new eco-friendly methods of prolonging the life of these materials or even finding materials that last longer. Certain eco-friendly solvents have proven to be very useful in preserving the life of some materials, but most solvents are catered to a specific material. Homeowners and business-owners will have to do research to learn which solvent works best for their specific flooring. Lastly, some of these materials are found naturally, but that doesn’t mean that these resources can’t be exhausted. Consumers should ask suppliers if their products are environmentally sustainable before purchasing them.
Changing Market
While eco-friendly options are on the rise, it is important to do research about each material before you commit to installing it. Installing the wrong type of flooring that doesn’t fit with your personal needs can result in damaged material. However, it should also be noted that these options have plenty of advantages and are great for the environment. Another added bonus is that many of the materials are inexpensive, so frugal homeowners can easily afford to have new options installed.
If the flooring you currently have isn’t working for you due to damage sustained or changing trends, then give DustBusters a call.
We offer professional floor removal services for both homeowners and businesses at reasonable prices. Additionally, we use industrial vacuums to dispose of harmful chemicals or particles during the removal process. Give us a call at 866-883-8783 or visit our website at http://www.dustbustersfl.com/.
