Fortunately, you can now select from a fast-growing list of carpets and other flooring materials manufactured from recycled and eco-friendly materials.Eco-friendly products are just as vibrant, fashionable and come in the same variety of colors, textures, patterns and styles as conventional flooring products. Green products provide a responsible and healthy way to complement and enhance your home’s interior décor:
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Carpet–Choose from our wide range of sustainable carpets sold at competitive prices. Locust Trading Company’s carpet selections are made from natural fibers with little or no chemical treatment including wool and corn fiber; as well as carpets made from post-consumer waste such as recycled plastic bottles. We also offer carpets with natural-fiber backing attached with less-toxic or non-toxic adhesives.
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Hardwood-For homeowners that prefer traditional hardwood flooring, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can tell you if the wood used in your hardwood flooring is from forests that are sustainably managed. FSC-certified wood flooring is available in a great many different styles and colors. These include reclaimed lumber from old buildings or river bottoms. Locust Trading Company represents manufacturers that adhere to FSC standards.
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Cork-Cork is an exceptional flooring material for many reasons. First, cork’s natural elasticity makes floors especially comfortable; it delivers thermal and acoustic insulation; and durable cork floors recover quite well from marks left by furniture or stiletto heels. Cork floors are also hypo-allergenic, so they won’t attract dust; are fire-resistant; and can even act as a natural insect repellant. Just as important, cork floors are produced from the bark of the cork oak tree and can be harvested every 8 years. No trees are cut down.
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Bamboo-Bamboo,(technically a grass),is becoming a popular ‘green’ flooring option. It is harder than maple, and northern red oak. Therefore, it lasts longer and can tolerate more foot traffic over time than conventional hardwood flooring. Bamboo floors are naturally resistant to water, insects and mildew, and are sustainable as well, since bamboo grows very rapidly and in abundance.
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Tile and linoleum-Natural linoleum floors are also hypo-allergenic and biodegradable. You can add new style to any room by installing a colorful wall made from recycled glass tiles. These tiles are perfect for today’s bathrooms and kitchens.
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Leather–A natural product not thought of often for flooring, but is a great eco-friendly option is leather. Our premier manufacturer, EcoDomo designs and manufactures sustainable leather for flooring and walls. It can be installed in easy click together tile or plank formats.