Natural Flooring Solutions
By Julie B Andersen - A similar version of this article originally appeared in “The Green House” in the March/April 2006 issue of Boulevard magazine.
Sometimes I find myself astonished I am alive during such a bizarre period of life on earth. In over four billion years there has never been a massive and widescale extraction of natural resources by an exploding human population. I look upon such malevolence as a perversion of natural law and, quite simply, profoundly unethical.
This critical stage will test our intelligence and ability to adapt to a changing environment. So what can each of us do, right now, to help make the transition easier? One way I contribute is by writing this column for all of us who want to start by ensuring our homes are environmentally healthy. For those building a new home or improving the perfect one they already have, this issue focuses on natural flooring solutions.
The floor coverings in each area of your home require special consideration: usage, durability, maintenance, quality, material sustainability, visual appeal and, of course, price. First of all, I recommend finding a reputable flooring specialist and ask questions about each product you are considering. Now, let’s go through some of the preferable choices for sustainable flooring materials.
Without a doubt, bamboo is the clear winner. While it’s superior to some varieties of wood in physical properties, bamboo stalks are indeed a grass. An “intelligent product choice,” bamboo is found in increasing numbers of North American homes, even though it has been used in other countries for hundreds of years. As a “rapidly renewable resource,” it grows extremely fast and in large quantities, and must be harvested within four to six years.
Bamboo has all of the best characteristics one looks for in a flooring material. Its dense cell structure makes it more durable than some traditional woods. It terms of quality, it is unmatched: resistant to fire, moisture, insects, and mould; non-toxic and non-allergenic; and easy to clean and refinish. Aesthetically, it’s difficult to deny its beauty: the light, graceful tones appear vibrant and exotic in any room. Look for EcoLogo-certified brands to ensure the bamboo wasn’t a food source or animal habitat.
Cork, also a high-quality rapidly renewable resource, is harvested every nine years from the bark of the cork oak tree. The process is sustainable because the tree isn’t damaged and the bark regenerates quickly. The bark’s honeycomb-shaped cellular structure, made of 90 per cent air, creates a cushion-like material that thermally insulates and absorbs noise. A naturally occurring substance called suberin helps it resist fire, insects and mould, and protects it from rot.
Cork is easy to maintain, versatile and unique. Its warmth, softness under foot and attractive natural patterns yields a distinctive combination of form and function. Much like bamboo, cork is both utilitarian and beautiful.
A viable floor covering option, linoleum suffers from a sullied reputation and is sometimes confused with polyvinyl chloride. Made from solidified linseed oil, tree rosin, and a combination of cork dust or wood flour attached to a natural weave backing, linoleum performs flawlessly in the right room because of its durability and ease of cleaning.
Hardwood is often the first choice for living spaces, and while trees are technically a renewable resource (albeit very slowly), we must not overuse wood products. Deforestation contributes to climate change and wreaks havoc on ecosystems. Consider using eco-timber: wood harvested from trees grown in sustainably managed forests. Check for one of the three certification standards used in Canada: Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Better yet, use reclaimed lumber (see Jan/Feb 2006 issue). Another option is to paint existing wood floors. If you desire that “farmhouse chic” look, paint the floor off-white or a muted colour. A diagonal checkerboard pattern or thick contrasting stripes can revitalize a room. The paint eventually wears down, giving the floor a lovely antique patina.
Natural stone, slate, ceramic, terracotta tiles and concrete are certainly healthy options (they are inert), but keep these non-renewable materials to a minimum. While rocks, sand, and stone are currently abundant, they are mined from the earth, and the extraction process ravages ecosystems and leaves the land scarred and lifeless. Quarries are rarely recultivated.
The process of manufacturing cement causes environmental damage at virtually every stage. However, concrete can be mixed with waste from other industries, such as fly ash, slag and silica fume, balancing out its negative impact.
For slab-on-grade flooring, consider leaving the concrete exposed, saving money on additional flooring. Concrete can be polished, stained or scored with a pattern. Install radiant floor heating with concrete for a warm but industrial feeling.
To be truly environmental, look for products that do not use noxious chemicals during manufacture, do not harm animals or ecosystems and do not require excessive energy to produce. Ceramic, for example, has a high energy cost since it must be fired in a kiln.
Insist on adhesives, finishes and resins that are ultra-low VOC (volatile organic compound), UV-resistant and non-toxic. Underlays are available in cork, synthetic latex, rubber or natural fibres. Look for recycled-content materials.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is known as the “poison plastic.” From the factory to the landfill, vinyl is harmful to human health and contaminates the environment. Vinyl chloride is classified as a human carcinogen and other chemicals in PVC have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer and birth defects. PVC is not biodegradable and will spend hundreds if not thousands of years in our landfills. If burned, it releases harmful gases. Vinyl is purely synthetic and not a natural option for any part of your home.
There have been increasing health concerns associated with carpet, and the industry is responding by changing unfavourable practices. Carpet certainly has advantages, but its manufacture can be environmentally detrimental. There are good alternatives: natural fibres such as sisal, coir (from coconut husks), jute, cotton, hemp and seagrass (grown in paddy fields). Wool is a good option but make sure it comes from a farm practising ethical animal husbandry.
It’s rather exciting to see us discarding destructive habits and working together to establish healthy, ecologically sound living spaces — one room at a time.
Julie B Andersen is a photographer, editor and writer living in Victoria. Her website is www.madmediastudios.com.
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