Often in life we are faced with choosing between something that looks nice or has a reputation as having a higher quality and something that is better for the environment. Luckily, you do not have to sacrifice the future of the planet for having high-quality flooring, thanks to earth-friendly flooring that will lower your carbon footprint in a variety of options, including cork and eco-friendly carpet.
Why lowering your carbon footprint matters
An organization or individual’s carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions they are responsible for adding to the atmosphere. No one wants to be responsible for contributing to the continued change of the Earth’s climate, which is why taking a look at where and how the products used to place your new flooring are important. We here at Ozburn-Hessey are committed to making the world safer by offering green, environment-friendly products, no matter if you are looking for wood flooring or for carpet, which is why we are working with companies that put a priority on making the greenest, most eco-friendly products possible.
It ain’t easy being green
Everyone knows that it takes a little more work to ensure that the products used for your new floor are greener and more environmentally-friendly. One of these difficulties is doing the research into what products you should use. If you are looking for wood, the good news is that it’s already a sustainable source, since trees grow back naturally, albeit longer than some would like. Using something like bamboo, which give any setting a more cultured look, takes care of that problem, since the tree grows back in as little as five years (much quicker than most trees) and is easily replaced.
Another good material to use is cork, since it’s taken from the core of the tree, so the tree can be continuously used without cutting the tree down. The only concern with these types of flooring is that they are more susceptible to nicks and dents. In cases where a more durable type of wood is needed, something like oak, a type of wood heavily monitored and regulated to make sure the next generation is planted and protected, would be better. Oak is considered one of the most sustainable types of wood in the U.S.; by using the mighty oak, you are also supporting the local economy.
Using the right material for the job
Of course wood floors aren’t always the right way to go, like in an office building, for instance. Traditionally carpet is one of the least green-friendly flooring options, but thanks to a dedicated effort to change that perception, carpet is becoming more and more friendly to the environment through practices like using recycled plastic bottles in the creation of new carpeting, or by using naturally reoccurring materials, like wool, or by re-purposing and recycling old carpets. Other carpet companies, many of which are used here at Ozburn-Hessey, are seeking out new ways to provide that soft, comfortable carpet feeling without the latent guilt at using something that might not be as good for the environment.
So no matter if you are looking to use wood, cork or recycled carpeting, at Ozburn-Hessey, we are doing our best to make sure the products you use are going to look great, as well as be great for the environment.
