Guest post- The Benefits Of Eco-Friendly Rugs!

This post is provided by Mark Healey.

In today’s modern era, green and environmentally-friendly is the name of the game. Entire industries have innovated in the name of it. People have altered their lifestyles for it. Longstanding traditions have made room for it. The rug industry is no exception, and it has embraced the green movement by developing and manufacturing eco-friendly rugs for green consumers.

Why Environmentally-Friendly Rugs?

People generally assume the outside world is full of pollutants and harmful chemicals. While that is true, the Environmental Protection Agency recently released a study stating indoor air quality is often on par with or even worse than outdoor. This is particularly troubling because people spend infinitely more time indoors, placing themselves in consistent close-proximity to dangerous fumes and chemicals.

Upon completing the manufacturing process, the majority of mainstream furniture and rug companies thoroughly spray their products with various chemicals to both protect the material and help retain the original coloring. While beneficial to the overall appearance of household items, these chemicals can cause harm to the human body after prolonged exposure.

Rarely are the symptoms of these chemicals fatal, but they can often cause eye and throat irritation, fatigue, dizziness, and fatigue. Partially alleviating the flow of damaging particles can improve your bodily health and put your mind at ease. Eco-friendly rugs are comprised of recycled or 100% natural materials devoid of chemical treatments that will contribute zero harmful emissions to your indoor space.

The Materials of Green Rugs

In terms of specific materials, environmentally-friendly rugs vary across the board. Natural fibers are commonly used, along with the application of less-toxic adhesives and chemicals. Wool rugs, jute rugs, sisal rugs, and seagrass rugs are also popular sustainable options.

In an attempt to reduce health risks, some companies have decided to completely forgo the usage of harmful chemicals. They instead use vegetable dye or abstain from dyes altogether.

Verifying Their Sustainable Nature

In today’s competitive consumer markets, it is easy to slap an eco-friendly label on virtually any product to an attempt to validate a higher price or push a brand’s green image. Yet it is highly advised to resist purchasing a rug if it does not contain eco-friendly authentication by third party organizations. Certifications issued by the Global Organic Textile Standard, Scientific Certification Systems, and SMART Sustainable Flooring are indicators of sustainable authenticity. Look for the appropriate labels to avoid being scammed and bringing home a faux-green product.

Eco-Friendly Installation 

Chemically based-glues are the normal adhesives used to help secure a rug to the floor. One of the most basic glue-substitutes is tacks, and they are very easy to use. For those who insist on using glue in the installation process, look for water-based glues that contain little to no volatile chemical compounds.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly rugs are a sustainable household solution that can both bolster your overall health and minimize your carbon footprint. Plus, they come in a wide variety of designs and styles, allowing them to nicely complement virtually any room.