CHOOSE FLOORING THAT REFLECTS YOU, YOUR LIFESTYLE, AND YOUR PASSIONS
Whether recycling, composting, biking to work, reducing electricity use, or planting your own tomatoes – there are many ways to walk more gently on the earth. Odds are, you’re already doing many of these things. But did you know the surface beneath your feet at home can also reflect your commitment to reducing your impact on the environment?
While we don’t expect the newest green trend to involve campaigns for environmentally-friendly flooring, we believe floor installation is an important opportunity to not only align your home more closely to your values, but also to improve your health. According to the EPA, Americans spend an average of 90% of their time inside, where air pollutants are 2 to 5 times more concentrated than outside. Some of those pollutants are collecting under your feet and some are inside the very materials that make up your flooring. Here’s what we suggest avoiding and considering as you search for eco-waterproof flooring.
Avoid This:
- Vinyl. A 2015 study found that 58% of vinyl flooring tiles tested contained phthalates, substances that are thought to disrupt hormonal and chemical signals and can affect fertility and sexual development.
- Non-renewable sources. Look for authentically green flooring and ask your retailer questions about the safety, toxicity, and environmental impact of the flooring materials and production processes.
- Cheap, cheap prices. While the prices in that sketchy warehouse sound enticing, it’s better to purchase your flooring through a retailer with accountability and transparency.
Consider This:
- Cork. Cork is harvested from the cork oak tree and the trees are not cut down in the process; additionally, the trees grow back in three years. While cork is not waterproof, it is water-resistant and insect-repelling, pliant, and hypoallergenic.
- Linoleum. People tend to use vinyl and linoleum almost interchangeably, however, linoleum is made of very different materials than vinyl. Linoleum’s “components” include ground limestone, tree resins, cork dust, linseed oil, wood flour, and pigments. It is water-resistant and biodegradable, positioning it as a worthy eco-friendly flooring option.
- Recycled glass tile. You’ll get to see how your efforts have joined force with others’ as you make a selection from among the many options of recycled glass tile for your home.
- Stone tile. Stone tile requires little processing and has a timeless beauty, helping it weather multiple trend-shifts and decreasing the likelihood of an ill-advised trip to the dumpster. Stone’s natural texture makes it an excellent slip-resistant option for eco waterproof flooring.
To properly ensure the success of your project it’s best to partner with professionals who really know the ins and outs of eco waterproof flooring. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our team at Floor Coverings International today!
New Jersey: 888-912-5731 Pennsylvania: 215-757-3377 Vermont: 802-891-4086
Related tags: Eco Waterproof Flooring | Eco-Friendly Waterproof Flooring
