Any environmentalist knows that one of the largest causes of pollution, deforestation, and other harm is construction and renovation of buildings. The entire process, from the carting of waste off to landfills, to the manufacture of new furnishings, can take a huge toll on the environment. Flooring, in particular, now offers many eco-friendly surface options for those looking to go green. From playground surfacing, such as rubber mulch, to laminate floors for the indoors, there are many green options to consider.
Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is the newest in gardening and playground equipment and it’s being used everywhere, from the White House to backyard playgrounds. The flooring of old in playgrounds was a combination of blacktop, wood chips, and grass. Rubber mulch is the new and improved version, and is made by recycling old tires. This practice saves an enormous amount of space in landfills, and gives useless rubber tires new lives.
Rubber flooring for playgrounds and gardens comes in many colors that don’t fade or get children dirty, and is odor free. The mulch also comes in various forms, with Playsafer rubber chips, rubber mulch bond which forms a solid floor, and rubber wearmats for extra shock absorbency in areas of high impact. Rubber mulch is hailed as a safer playground flooring option for the extra absorbency it provides, preventing injuries.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is the new hardwood, or the new version of virtually any floor style. Most commonly used to imitate hardwood, laminate is a lot more affordable and eco-friendly because it is not composed of real wood, and causes no deforestation. Laminate tiles are made of four layers. The third layer is an image of the flooring to be depicted, while the fourth and topmost layer is a sealant that allows laminate floors to last for years. Laminate is known to look like an exact copy of the flooring it is imitating, at a fraction of the price. It is also easier to maintain.
Recycled Glass Tiles
Many companies offer glass tiles for use in bathrooms and other decorative purposes, with a twist. The tiles are made out of recycled glass. Recycled glass tiles are made using various methods based on the manufacturer. Basically, cracked glass is crushed and mixed with a solution of other substances that are then baked in kilns or ovens. The resulting tiles look exactly like those that are made without recyclable materials, smooth and glossy. Recycled glass tiles also come in an impressive variety of colors, textures, and designs to suit every need.
Decorating and renovations today can easily be cost effectively and eco-friendly. From the backyard or garden, where rubber mulch is used, to the laminate flooring in the master bedroom, every aspect can be environmentally responsible with little effort.
Bio:
Fay Rose is a mother and avid advocator of rubber mulch playground flooring and other eco-friendly flooring options that are practical in more ways than one.