Eco Friendly Green Flooring

The word of the day is undoubtedly environmentally friendly. Environmentally friendly issues are assuming greater importance with each day that goes by. The flooring industry too has had to deal with the important problems of sustainability.

Laws are being introduced to protect deforestation as well as eliminate the use of certain harmful chemicals used in the manufacture of carpets and PVC.

There are several flooring options available today; that are suitable for the earth, as well as for people suffering from various diseases. These kinds of eco friendly flooring choices avoid the use of toxic chemicals in their composition that are good for people afflicted with ailments, for example those suffering from allergies, eczema and asthma.

Examples of these environmentally friendly options are:

Bamboo floors

Bamboo feels and looks like hardwood and offers the same appeal as wood. By virtue of it being grass and not wood which can be easily replenished, cutting down of bamboo does not pose a threat to the environment in any major way. The bamboo used in flooring is harvested from managed plantations and grows back in about three to four years.

Bamboo floors look sleek and stylish and are much cheaper than solid wood. Moreover they are strong and versatile and more resistant to water than timber. It is a favourite of most eco-conscious homeowners.

Cork flooring

Cork is a sustainable material which originates from the bark of the tree, importantly not damaging the tree from which it is removed. Harvesting of the cork bark stimulates and assists the growth of the tree and thus it acts as an ideal substitute for wood. Cork flooring feels soft and warm underfoot and comes in a number of colours and designs. It is not only durable but helps to reduce the transmission of sound, vibration and heat making it a great insulator.

Glass floor tiles

Recycled glass beer and wine bottles are now being recycled as part of an ongoing environment friendly project to be ultimately made into glass floor tiles. Designers have utilized the cracking and bubbling of the bottle occurring during the recycling process to bring out the visually aesthetic appeal present in the resulting glass tiles.    

Linoleum flooring

There are many benefits of linoleum, however common it may be, are that it is biodegradable and does not give out toxic fumes like most other substances. It is made from linseed oil, wood flour, pine resin and ground limestone spread on jute backing making it practical and durable. Linoleum is the environment friendly substitute to vinyl and is warm, flexible and anti-bacterial. Linoleum flooring is available in a variety of colours and is also a excellent sound absorber.

Natural fibre floors

Fibre floor is biodegradable and is made from sisal, sea grass and coir. A high number of the third world countries benefit from their local sustainable resources. By virtue of being a natural product it is not riddled with nasty pesticides and chemicals.

Rubber flooring

Recycled rubber flooring shredded tires are used to produce rubber carpet padding and rubber flooring.    As much as 100 square feet of flooringprevents at east 7-8 tires from being dumped into the landfill. It is waterproof, hygienic and durable and comes in textured or smooth surface.