Page 5 - RVO Home Lawn Garden 2016

RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE • HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016 5VV
not a wood, but a grass. It is a fast-growing grass, and that makes it a smart choice in many design applications. Also, unlike wood, which will absorb moisture and can warp, bamboo repels water and can be used for flooring in areas where one wouldn’t think to put wood, such as in bathrooms, entryways or mudrooms. Bam- boo is naturally very light in color but can be stained in many different hues to give homeowners more options.
➤ Green carpeting
Consumers can now find a wide range of sustainable carpets and rugs that are available at competitive prices. Wool car- pets made with undyed or vegetable-dyed yarns and minimal glues are some op- tions. Some carpets are even made from recycled content, such as rubber and plas- tics. Water-based, low-VOC adhesives paired with recycled cotton padding can reduce the toxicity and impact of carpet- ing even further.
➤ Cork
Growing in popularity, cork is a mate- rial harvested from the bark of cork trees found in the forests of the Mediterranean. The bark grows back every three years,
so it is a handy renewable resource. Cork boasts fire-retardant properties and may naturally repel insects. It can usually be stained to suit various color schemes.
➤ Rubber
Rubber flooring may call to mind fitness gyms and playground safety sub- strate, but it’s also slowly finding its way into homes. Made from recycled tires, rubber flooring is flexible underfoot and can be long-lasting and colorful.
➤ Reclaimed wood
Rather than purchasing brand-new hardwood planks for flooring, homeown- ers can opt for reclaimed wood reused from other building applications. After some sanding, staining and finishing, reclaimed wood provides homeowners with the opportunity to choose tradi- tional hardwood flooring without any concerns about deforestation.
Eco-friendly flooring materials contin- ue to evolve and can be smart choices in today’s homes.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative, with contributions by Spencer Griffin, special sections writer
Customers may choose to purchase carpets and rugs made of material such as wool or different yarns in order to get a more sustainable option.