<p><img class="alignright" style="margin: 2px" alt="Floor- Gift" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8078909134_8bc7e2178d_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" /></p>
<h2>Redoing the Floors?</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify">Then why not consider using carpet tiles? They’re a far better option than their room-wide counterparts.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">For starters, they’re incredibly flexible – you can mix up different colours, patterns and styles to create a completely unique look.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Secondly, since carpet tiles are modular, they can be installed in sections, as opposed to having to clear out the entire room during renovation.</p>
<h2>Tread Lightly</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify">Then there’s the sustainability aspect. Carpets were originally stuck down to the cement with strong glues that had toxic health and environmental effects.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Many carpet tiles these days make use of an adhesive tape system, which is obviously a far better solution.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Furthermore, adhesive tape makes it easier for homeowners to move individual tiles to a different location, or to replace a single tile that has been stained or worn down.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">This also reduces waste – if a glass of wine spills on your cream carpet, now you simply have to replace the ruined tiles, and not the entire carpet.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Of course, not all carpet tiles are created equal. It’s important to do your homework before you make your purchase.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Some things that you should look out for include the material make-up of the tile – it should be solvent free, and the bitumen used in the backing should be unoxidised.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Furthermore, how was it manufactured? Is the factory moving towards renewable energy sources, and are they reducing their water waste?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Water is a fundamental aspect of the production process, so bonus points to those companies that utilise rainwater tanks and have a waste reduction plan in place.</p>
<h2>Alternate Options</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify">If you would prefer non-carpet flooring options, then there are a few other alternatives to try that are still relatively sustainable and eco-friendly.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">• <strong>Bamboo Flooring:</strong> Bamboo is resistant to moisture, fire and insects, harder than oak and maple, durable and resistant, sustainable, and easy to maintain.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Bamboo is also incredibly abundant and grows at a rather rapid rate, making it an ideal renewable natural resource.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Even better, the root system of the bamboo is left in place when it is harvested, so that there is no need for annual replanting.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">The root system that remains also prevents soil erosion, a common problem that occurs with concentrated plant growth and harvesting.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">• <strong>Cork Flooring:</strong> Cork floors are also a unique natural flooring option.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">It is made from the bark of the cork tree, which is stripped once every nine to ten years and the tree remains undamaged.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Whilst cork is considered a soft wood, it has many favourable characteristics. Namely, cork provides thermal and acoustic insulation, and is incredibly durable.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">It also repels insects, is fire-resistant and does not attract dust.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Due to its natural elasticity, cork prevents any imprints from heavy people objects – it simply bounces back.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">• <strong>Linoleum:</strong> Linoleum is made from a mixture of dried plant material, such as dried and milled flax seeds, ground cork and pine resins.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">As a result, linoleum flooring is completely biodegradable.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Since it repels dirt, dust and other particulate matter, linoleum is also hypo-allergenic. It is also fire-proof, anti-static and fade-proof.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">So there you have it. If you’re planning to redecorate, try to make use of one of these greener options.</p>
<h5>Featured images:</h5>
<p><span class="license">License: Creative Commons</span></p>
<p><span class="source">image source</span></p>
<p>Grace Matthews is a London-based lifestyle blogger who only uses the very best carpet cleaning equipment for her recently redone living room floors.</p>

Carpet Tiles: Greener And Cleaner
