Toxic Nation | Pollution. It's In You.

Within the gentle comfort of a household carpet lurks some pretty ugly stuff. Wall-to-wall carpets collect dirt, absorb indoor air pollution and odours, are often made of non-recyclable, synthetic materials, are coated in harmful toxins, and are difficult to clean.

But don’t worry, there are solutions. New green carpet alternatives are becoming more readily available to consumers. For your next carpet purchase, here are some tips on what to look for, and what to avoid:

• Seek carpets or rugs made from recyclable, all-natural materials, such as wool, alpaca, hemp, cotton, jute, or sisal. Many synthetic carpets off-gas chemicals into the household that can have an impact on your family’s health.
• Buy carpets with jute, hemp or cotton backing, and backing that is sewn on rather than glued. Secure your carpet using tacks or non-toxic, biodegradable adhesives rather than harmful chemical adhesives that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and affect indoor air quality.
• Choose padding that is recycled or made of renewable resources.
• Make sure that the carpet you buy is chemical-free and not treated with toxic moth and stain repellants or flame retardants.
• Consider carpets coloured with natural vegetable dyes.
• Look for rugs that are certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) with the Green Label or Green Label Plus. These programs rate carpets based on low VOC emissions.
• Think about alternatives to wall-to-wall carpeting, such as washable area rugs or carpet tiles.

Happy carpet shopping!

Sarah

Sources:
‘Green’ carpets gain ground
In Praise of Green Carpets (and Rugs)