It’s the start of a new decade, but the go-green trend doesn’t look like it’s leaving anytime soon. Conscious consumerism is just beginning to gain momentum. With a clear and ever-increasing demand for sustainable products, companies are now switching to earth-friendly solutions in every way they can. The same is true for modern households.
If you’re taking on a home improvement project anytime soon, you might also want to jump in on this trend. Consider eco-friendly flooring solutions that will instantly revamp any room in the house minus the guilt and high costs. It’s high time we said no to solid hardwood floors that pose a threat to the world’s forests and traditional carpets that contain high levels of hazardous chemicals.
Engineered Flooring
Melbourne has seen several flooring trends in recent years; one of which is engineered wood flooring. What differentiates this type from solid hardwood lies on its structure and installation. Engineered wood is made up of a thin sheet of hardwood called a “veneer” and layers of plywood stacked beneath it. If you still want that deep hardwood aesthetic, this is the right material for you. Production uses fewer trees and is more cost-efficient, making it a great alternative to solid hardwood floors.
Cork
This is made from the bark of the cork oak tree that immediately grows back after harvest. It boasts several properties that make for ideal flooring material. One of which is sustainability. While cork is a naturally renewable material, some cork flooring manufacturers make use of recycled wine stoppers for an even more sustainable product. This material is also cost-efficient and repellent of common household dangers such as mites, bugs, and mold. Cork also provides great soundproofing and temperature insulating properties.
Sustainable Carpets
Carpeted floors are a joy to walk around on, but not after realizing its high toxic content. Traditional carpets are commonly made out of polyester, nylon, and vinyl; all of which require burning non-renewable fossil fuels to produce. As the conscious market grows, production of sustainable carpets is also on the rise. That means more options for the conscious consumer: wool, corn fiber, reclaimed textile, to name a few. Price varies depending on the materials used. But when it comes to your household’s safety, they’re worth every penny.
Bamboo
Another flooring trend that is rapidly emerging across households is the use of bamboo panels. A highly renewable material, bamboo only takes three to five years to fully mature, which is significantly quicker than your standard hardwood. This material is also set at a lower price point than most flooring options and is easier to maintain. Durability depends on how the material was grown and harvested. Despite being a tropical grass, bamboo is oftentimes as sturdy as most hardwood. It also boasts a sleeker, more refined appearance that highly appeals to the modern-day homeowner.
Switching to eco-friendly alternatives is always a good idea, whether you really want to make a change in society or just be part of the latest trends. Make your home a little greener with these options in mind.
