From How to Keep Your Natural Area Rugs Looking Green and Great
by Mike Dennis

There are many advantages to decorating your home using natural fiber area rugs. Not only do they look fantastic with virtually any décor style, they are non-toxic to the environment. Natural accent rugs made from sustainable plant fibers are hard-wearing, add to the comfort of your home by reducing noise and static electricity and are very economical.

Sisal rugs remain a top choice for those who want to support the earth by using all natural, sustainable products in the home. Along with remarkable flame resistant properties, sisal rugs come in a wide range of attractive weaves. The gorgeous textures and unique earthy colors of sisal rugs keep those who love the look and feel of natural fiber area rugs coming back for more.

One of the most cost-effective natural area rugs is the seagrass rug. Along with that attractive sheen and smooth surface, seagrass rugs are remarkably long lasting, making them a perfect floor covering solution for a busy household.

Although not as resilient, jute rugs are very inexpensive and can be dyed in a wide array of bold, lively colors. Jute rugs are so soft to walk on; you’ll want one in every room!

Bamboo rugs are made from highly sustainable bamboo and are exceptionally easy to care for. Simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth or mop. Bamboo rugs can be scratched, though so to prevent scratching add protective felt pads under chair and table legs.

Bamboo rugs, like many jute rugs, seagrass rugs and sisal rugs will fade if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Add life to your natural area rugs by keeping them out of direct sunlight and rotating them every few months, especially if portions of your rug are under furniture.

Rugs are essential in accentuating beauty of your homes as it is essential for you to put on accessories to accentuate your beauty. All homemakers around the world would agree with me that a rug is one of the most essential accessories in our homes. Rugs are not just something to cushion your feet and keep them warm during the harsh winter chill. Rugs are miniature works of art in which created to be decorative and functional at the same time.

But how would you like it if your beautiful expensive rug emits harmful chemical that does not only cause pollution but can possibly cause harm to your family’s health? Would you feel comfortable if you know that your baby might be rolling around on the rug that possibly emits formaldehyde? Area rugs and carpets can emit chemicals into the surrounding air depending on what material they are made of and how they are manufactured. If you are concerned of your health, most especially, of your family’s health, then you should look beyond the visual beauty and choose materials that are safe for your health as well as the planet earth.

According to the study conducted by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor pollutants are about five times higher that pollutants found outdoors. You might not know this, but many of the chemicals used in synthetic carpets and rugs are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOC vaporize (also known as offgas), or give off easily into the air. Some of these chemicals found in synthetic rugs and carpets include benzene, styrene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde. Chemicals mentioned are known to be carcinogens or cancer-causing substance or agents. In addition to that, there are other chemicals in its adhesives and glue strips, the underlay or rug pads. If you are using synthetic carpets and rugs you are actually living and breathing with cancer!

If you love your family and care for your health you should go for “green” rugs. Green rugs or the eco-friendly rugs are generally made of natural fibers such as sisal, wool, seagrass, mountain grass, and bamboo. Sisal fibers are obtained from agave plant which is native to Tanzania and Kenya.

Mountaingrass are durable grass that is native to the high altitude slopes of the Pacific Rim. The Seagrass comes from the coastal regions of China and India and is grown in paddy fields. Bamboo has long been used for flooring in Asian countries and it is abundant in Asian countries like China, Philippines and Vietnam. Whereas the wool is the dense, warm coat of sheep which is also called a fleece. Australia is the biggest supplier of wool in the world.
All these materials are all biodegradable and certified by EPA as earth friendly materials. They do not contain chemicals, pollutants and at the same time natural material rugs tend to be more durable and reliable than synthetic material rugs. They age gracefully, naturally renewing itself and is develops a rich patina through years of use. By using natural rugs you are not just safekeeping the health of your family but you are helping preserving the planet earth as well.

Keep your home beautiful, healthy and “green.”