If you are going to go green, here are a few of the options at Macadam Floor and design. FSC Hardwood How can you, the consumer, distinguish a genuine ecological forest product from one that has been "greenwashed"? The answer is credible, independent certification for forestry and forest products. Forest certification is a voluntary process that ensures consumers that the wood products they buy were grown and harvested in a way that protects forests for the long term.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a not-for-profit organization that accredits certifiers whose programs conform to its internationally recognized Principles and Criteria, thereby providing a consistent and credible framework for independent certification efforts worldwide.
Cork Renewable, sustainable and recycled, cork is a very eco-friendly product. Going back countless generations, the cork industry has proved itself to be a sustainable one. The trees are not harmed when their bark is harvested for processing. In fact, a cork oak tree can thrive for anywhere between 150 and 250 years. The cork bark is harvested from the tree every 9 to 11 years. The trees are kept alive and in production for generations. At maturity a typical tree can produce upwards of 450 pounds of cork per harvest. Natural Cork is still harvested by hand in the traditional method leaving the habitat intact and with minimal impact on the overall environment. Often the cork “farms” are combined with other uses such as raising cattle or growing other crops in and among the trees. These combinations allow local farmers maximize their use of the land. The market for cork provides an incentive to keep forest cover on arid land, preventing 5 1/2 million acres from turning to desert.
Bamboo
In an age of ever-growing concern over depletion of natural resources, especially of hardwood forests, the trend toward bamboo flooring could not be timelier. Bamboo is extremely fast-growing compared to hardwoods. On average, bamboo is capable of reaching maturity, at heights well over 50 feet, and is ready to harvest in five years. Additionally, since it is a grass, it is harvested again and again from the same plant. Compare that to an individual hardwood tree taking anywhere from three decades to more than a hundred years to mature, depending on the species.
Wool Carpet
Godfrey Hirst carpets have been independently tested for VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and comply with Green Star criteria, thus minimizing the impact on indoor air quality. Godfrey Hirst has also independently tested for Green Label Plus compliance, and all products achieved emission levels for VOC far below the levels that Green Label Plus allows. Wool fibers have microscopic scales that capture and hold dust particles until they are vacuumed. This results in less dust in the air, a boon for people who suffer from allergies. Some studies have shown that wool carpet may also help purify the air by absorbing certain common indoor contaminants, including formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Wool takes in these contaminants far more quickly and completely than synthetic carpets do. Many initiatives have been introduced to reduce, reuse, recycle and minimize pollution. Examples include the recycling of a wide variety of materials such as cardboard cores, plastic wrap, steel bale straps and office paper while reusable materials such as plastic pallets and yarn tubes are used throughout the factory. Godfrey Hirst recycles the water used in the carpet dying process, and is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Marmoleum
Marmoleum is produced from renewable materials: linseed oil, resins, wood flour, jute and ecologically responsible pigments all natural, biodegradable ingredients. It is a completely natural material that contains no vinyl, no asbestos and no other hazardous ingredients. It won’t emit, or off-gas, fumes that can pollute the air in your home, but Marmoleum is good for more than just your indoor air quality - it is also naturally anti-bacterial, preventing salmonella, staph, mold, mildew and other microbes from multiplying on its surface. And because it is also anti-static, dust will not cling to the floor, making it a great choice for those with allergies and asthma concerns.
Natural Stone
Macadam Floor & Desing offers various Natural stone options, such as granite, marble, travertine, slate, quartz, limestone, onyx, soapstone.
Cement Counters
Macadam offers Cement Elegance. 85% of the raw materials used in NatureCast Concrete is manufactured in Oregon, 10% of the raw materials is a post industrial waste product leaving only 5% of the raw materials sourced out of state. Local production of NatureCast reduces transportation costs and fuel, and because it is custom-made to fit, we eliminate the waste inherent in other solid surface goods. NatureCast promotes a healthy indoor environment with no volatile organic-based preservatives and no radon emission. You can check out all these options at Macadam Floor and Design's booth at the Better Living Show.
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