Eco-friendly Hardwood Flooring
Posted: February 6, 2023
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Author – Ryan Palma Owner/CEO Sustainable Lumber Co.
Hardwood floors are a popular choice among homeowners for their durability, beauty, and versatility. But did you know that hardwood floors are also an eco-friendly option for your home?
In this post we’re going to explore why eco-friendly hardwood flooring, made from salvaged wood from dead trees and reclaimed wood, contributes to forest carbon sequestration and is, therefore, an environmentally friendly option.
One of the main reasons why hardwood floors are considered eco-friendly is that they are made from a natural and renewable resource: wood. Unlike synthetic flooring options, hardwood floors are not made from non-renewable fossil fuels. Trees are a renewable resource that can be replenished through sustainable forestry practices.
Another reason why hardwood floors are eco-friendly is their durability. Hardwood floors can last for decades, and even centuries, with proper care and maintenance. This means that you won’t need to replace your floors as often as you would with other flooring options, which can save resources and decrease waste.
Perhaps the most compelling reason why hardwood floors are eco-friendly is their ability to sequester carbon. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. When a tree is harvested for hardwood flooring the carbon stored in the tree is not released back into the atmosphere. Instead, it remains stored in the wood, which means that your hardwood floors are actively removing carbon from the atmosphere. In fact, it’s estimated that hardwood floors can store up to 1 ton of CO2 per 1000 square feet.
Another way to make hardwood floors even more eco-friendly is to choose salvaged wood from dead trees and reclaimed wood, like in our sustainable wood flooring. Salvaged wood is sourced from trees that have died naturally in the forest and have been left to rot. The most common cause of tree death is wildfires and insect infestation. Reclaimed wood is sourced from old structures such as barns, outbuildings, or bridges. By using salvaged wood and reclaimed wood, you can reduce the demand for newly harvested wood and help preserve our natural resources.
It’s important to note that not all hardwood flooring is created equal when it comes to carbon sequestration. To ensure that your hardwood floors are truly eco-friendly, you should choose a product that is certified by a sustainable forestry program such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI). These certifications ensure that the wood used in your flooring has been responsibly sourced and that the forest from which it came is being managed sustainably.
To conclude, hardwood flooring made from salvaged wood from dead trees and reclaimed wood is an eco-
friendly choice for your home. Not only are they made from a natural and renewable resource, but they are also durable and can even contribute to carbon sequestration. By choosing a product that is certified by a sustainable forestry program, you can feel good knowing that your hardwood floors are not only beautiful but also beneficial for the environment.
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