Going green is a popular trend nowadays. In the past, many thought that eco-materials are dull and boring. But, thankfully, that has changed as more and more people have become aware of how we can contribute to keeping our planet green and alive by using eco-products from the Center for Green Building for our homes. Today, there are many, many eco-products and materials that you can use – and eco-friendly floorings are one of them.
What’s better than knowing that you’re walking on a floor in your house that is contributing to saving the planet? Besides, it’s quite likely that you’ll find one that satisfies your taste since there are so many different types to choose from.
Here’s a list of our top four eco-friendly flooring materials:
1 – Reclaimed Wood
Hardwood flooring is no longer considered to be eco-friendly, for it causes deforestation. However, there is a perfect alternative to traditional hardwood flooring that is both eco-friendly and safe. It is reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood comes from already existing wood that has been chopped down decades or even centuries ago. Wood labeled as FSC certified wood is also eco-friendly and safe to use as flooring, as it has high environmental standards.
2 – Cork
As a fairly new flooring material, cork isn’t as popular as hardwood flooring. But it is definitely a game-changer. For one thing, it is hypoallergenic. For another, it is a budget-friendly solution that is quiet to the ears, soft to the feet, and so easy to maintain. Moreover, its harvesting doesn’t do any damage to the cork oak trees on which it grows. And, yes, three years after the harvesting process, the cork grows back, which makes it a renewable and environmental material.
3 – Rubber
You’ve probably have seen rubber flooring in gyms. But it won’t take long before this material becomes one of the most desirable flooring options for our homes. It is usually made of recycled tires, and it wouldn’t do any harm to the environment. Also, it is water-resistant, which makes it perfect not only for bathrooms but kitchens as well.
4 – Bamboo
Bamboo flooring has quite similar characteristics as hardwood flooring, only it isn’t made of wood but grass. Moreover, bamboo flooring comes in various colors. It is durable and easy to maintain. Also, it is a renewable resource that requires far less time to grow back compared to trees. And it usually gets farmed by organizations that do reasonable farming.