Going green with your flooring
More of our customers ask us about the options they have for “green” flooring products and obviously we can see the need has arisen for a more proactive approach to our environment.
With more information about harsh and harmful additives and hazardous components present in various building materials and the impact that those substances have on our health, these days the”green” products are in very high demand.
Bamboo is a grass product harvested in China and Southeast Asia, that grows incredibly fast, regenerating without need for replanting or fertilizers, and is generally harvested in 3-7 years.
Cork comes from the Cork Oak, harvested predominantly in the Mediterranean region of the world, tree that is never actually cut down- they just peel the bark off every 8-14 years.
Hardwood is a great green flooring choice because is natural, renewable, and recyclable,but if hardwoods are harvested without replanting the forest can lead to an adverse impact on the environment. There are a variety of programs that certify which hardwood products are environmentally friendly. . The most common product certification programs are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) that certify wood from specially-managed forests.
Green building tips
There are so many different ways to contribute to saving the planet
Use durable products and materials. A product that lasts longer or requires less maintenance usually saves energy.
Avoid materials that will off gas pollutants. Solvent based finishes, adhesives and many other building products release formaldehyde.
Choose low-maintenance building materials (painting, retreatment, waterproofing,etc)
Buy locally produced building materials. Transportation is costly in both energy use and pollution.
Use products made from recycled materials.
Use salvaged building materials when possible.
Seek responsible wood supplies.
Minimize packaging waste.