Selecting an environmentally-friendly carpet

Carpets and rugs can bring a great deal of positive contributions to a house. They retain and trap heat, help muffle sound, and can be comfortable to sit or lay down on. However, many carpets are also harmful toward the environment. They are often treated in factories with stain protectors, fire retardants, and mothproofing insecticides, as well as containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Fortunately, for your clients seeking wholesale carpet, there are environmentally-friendly carpet options available.

The biggest consideration when choosing a carpet is in picking among the different fibers and materials that carpets are made out of. There are certain fibers on the market that offer biodegradable, nontoxic and renewable alternatives to chemical-laden synthetic carpeting, according to Martha Stewart. One great fiber choice is coir, made from the husks of coconuts. According to TextileSchool.com, carpets made from this material are sol-proof, sound absorbent and don't scratch the floor. Coupled with its environmentally-friendly properties, something like Java Tiles from Merida Meridian would be a solid choice.

Two other Earth-friendly textiles used in carpets are jute and sisal. Jute is a cost-effective natural fiber that is extremely biodegradable. Meanwhile, sisal is a smart choice for those concerned with the environment due to the fact that no chemical fertilizers are used in its production. Beach from Merida Meridian and Sisal Tiger Eye from Mill Brand are great examples of these two natural fibers that make choices for green carpeting.

Regardless of what type of fibers and materials you recommend to your clients seeking wholesale carpet, it is important for them to check the label on the carpet to make sure its been tested by the Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) Indoor Air Quality testing program. According to HGTVremodels.com, carpets that feature labels with an icon with "CRI" inside a small green house will verify that the product has indeed been tested and has passed the CRI's standards for low chemical emissions.

There are other cleaning and maintenance tips that can benefit the environment and your client's family's overall health. Carpets tend to trap dust mites, VOCs and other allergens which can aggravate asthma or allergies so be sure to vacuum often. Additionally, airing out the carpet before installation will release much of the VOCs and allergens before bringing them into your house.