Page 4 - RVO Home Lawn Garden 2016

4VV SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN • RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE
Reduce indoor air pollution and your home’s carbon footprint overall by going green with various types of sustainable flooring.
GOING GREEN
SUSTAINABLE FLOORING OPTIONS BECOMING POPULAR
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects tend to make great invest- ments, earning homeowners signif-
icant returns when they sell their homes down the road. But flooring upgrades are another home-renovation project that can attract attention and help sellers when they put their homes on the market. Home-flooring options abound, and it is easy to get excited and overwhelmed about flooring renovation projects.
When choosing new flooring materials, homeowners should keep in mind the latest consumer trends, as those trends might help them recoup more of their flooring invest- ment down the road. One popular flooring trend is the use of sustainable materials. In addition to the more widely known benefits of choosing sustainable flooring, such as protecting natural resources and reducing a home’s carbon footprint, sustainable floor- ing can help reduce indoor air pollution.
Christie Harmon, who is on the sales staff at Imboden Carpets & Interiors in
Conway, said there are various alternatives for people looking for sustainable flooring. “[There is] LVP, which is luxury vinyl plank, wood-look tile, and then you’ve got
your other basics like laminate,” she said. She added that these types of mate- rials can last longer due to them being more water-resistant, while also avoiding
scratches more easily.
Various studies from the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency have shown that indoor air-pollutant levels may be higher indoors than outdoors. A major contributor to indoor air pollution is the volatile organ- ic compounds, or VOCs, being off-gassed by carpeting and other flooring in a home. Flooring manufacturers and designers are embracing the green design and remodeling movement. Today, there are many beautiful and sustainable eco-flooring options. Here are some of the more popular materials.
➤ Bamboo
Contrary to popular belief, bamboo is