Considerations of Environment and Sustainability When Choosing Flooring
More now than ever, customers are demanding environmentally friendly products when making flooring and other home improvements on their properties. Manufacturers are aware of the dangers of VOCs (harmful gasses) and phthalates (toxins from plastic) and are adjusting their products accordingly. Read on for the scoop on flooring, toxins, and how to protect your family and the environment.
Is carpeting eco-friendly? The answer is yes and no, depending upon the carpeting option you choose.
Carpets made from natural fibers, like cotton and wool are eco-friendly options in that they require little to no fertilizers or pesticides to grow. The downside of these carpets is that they are generally not treated for stain and fire resistance – a process that uses toxic chemicals. Additionally, not all budgets can support natural fiber carpeting which tends to be more expensive.
So, what are your options for staying as eco-friendly as possible when making a carpeting selection?
Nylon and polyester are sustainable in that they are recyclable and can have a lesser impact on the environment (provided they get recycled). Synthetic materials aren’t entirely bad, especially if you consider recycled carpets made with anything from old carpets to recycled plastic bottles.
What about luxury vinyl planks?
There are environmental pros and cons to luxury vinyl planks. Luxury vinyl plank is a sustainable option in that it can last for 20 to 30 years when properly installed and cared for and will not find its way to the landfill for a long time. The downside is that it is made of plastic, producing toxins that can persist in the environment for years. Adhesives are also known to be toxic, but with environmental concerns rising, more non-toxic adhesive products are becoming available.
Environmental safety can be a complicated subject when it comes to flooring. At Sloane’s Carpet Secret, we’ll help you to understand the ecological and sustainability pros and cons of all of our selections and help you choose the best products for your project. Book an appointment today to learn more.