When purchasing carpet for your home, have you ever considered what chemicals you’re purchasing with it?

The history of carpeting is worth noting. Following WW2 and the post-war housing boom of the 50’s and 60’s, the carpet industry exploded in production. In 1951 about 6 million yards of carpeting was produced. By 1968, over 400 million yards of wall-to-wall carpeting was being sold in the US. In the beginning carpeting was a luxury for most homeowners (as was the newest invention – the electric vacuum cleaner) but eventually the average American household had access to affordable, cheap wall-to-wall carpeting made from “modern fibers” that were soft and durable and came in new patterns and colors.

These soft and durable carpet fibers were made from polyester and nylon compounds derived from petroleum. Fundamentally, the fossil fuel industry benefited from the baby-boomer generation - a time when a large population of consumers were demanding affordable products derived from plastics. Plastic was the future!

By the 1970’s the carpet industry offered a multitude of colors and patterns to choose from. Burnt orange and olive-green shag carpet became a symbol of style and design (even for kitchens and bathrooms). Within a few decades, cut pile was out and Berber carpet was in because of its magical way of hiding dirt and spills, and Berber never showed the tracks of the vacuum cleaner! Builders were offering carpet of choice on the second floor (over sub flooring) of new construction in the 1980 and 90’s because of its “warmth and acoustical benefits” for active and growing families.

These days, the current generation has little interest for what was in their parents’ house, but the new, fancy performance-based carpets, with a stain-resistant finish are often treated with toxic chemicals for mothproofing or to repel soil and moisture. This type of carpet is being pushed and sold by the big-box stores, carpet outlets, builders and developers. Why? The fossil fuel and chemical industry sells these products at an inexpensive price for the sake of our health.  

In addition, the installation of new carpet can fill the air with hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including known and suspected carcinogens like formaldehyde and benzene. The petroleum-based chemicals used in carpet pads and the adhesives, can also harm your health and are particularly dangerous to young children and babies. According to the American Lung Association, “carpets may trap pollutants like dust mites, pet dander, cockroach allergens, particle pollution, lead, mold spores, pesticides, dirt and dust.” These pollutants may become airborne during renovations, vacuuming or even daily activities like walking on the carpet. Children are more likely to be exposed to pollution in carpets when they spend time playing on the floor and place their hands in their mouths. Carpeting is also notorious for trapping toxic lawn chemicals, VOCs, and allergens tracked in from outside and can take years for these substances to dissipate.

HEALTHY, SAFE CARPETS AND AREA RUGS

There are a number of natural and safe options on the market. You’ll want to make sure that you choose non-toxic and sustainable materials for both the rug and the padding underneath of it. Padding often comes in options made with natural ingredients, like coir, jute, or natural rubber that does not give off of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Padding from recycled material is also an option when it is VOC-free. 

WOOL

Wool is the most common healthy flooring material used today. This material is strong and resistant to stains, pilling, and fire and is hyper allergenic. Wool also has a natural lanolin coating that causes small amounts of water to bead up on the surface. Wool is a wonderful choice as an insulator because its fibers trap air, giving it both soundproofing and thermal insulating properties. Often Wool will be paired with Silk. Silk brings a luxurious, rich shine to a carpet and it creates strength and durability as well.

SISAL

Sisal is a soft, yet durable natural fiber carpet derived from the Agave sisalana plant species. It can stand up to high-traffic areas without being coarse or uncomfortable underfoot, and it wears well, making it good for high-traffic areas. But it can become slippery with use, so sisal is a poor choice for stairs. Sisal carpet can be used in almost any room of the house, although it must be used with caution around moisture, which can damage the fibers. The fact that sisal can be so easily dyed also means that it can be easily stained; it requires treatment to make it resistant to dirt and spills. Sisal is also relatively expensive, typically costing more than seagrass, jute or hemp, but less than wool.

JUTE

Jute is a fabric woven from fibers of plants from the Corchorus genus and is one of the softest and most inexpensive natural fiber carpet flooring choices available. It is especially soft, since it is made from the plant stalks rather than the leaves. Unfortunately, its soft surface means that it is not very durable, and it can suffer from wear and tear quite easily. It is most appropriate when used in low-traffic environments, such as bedrooms.

SEAGRASS

Seagrass is made from all-natural plant fibers that are nearly impermeable, which means that seagrass is resistant to stains, dirt, and discoloration. But this also means that seagrass can't be dyed and is available only in its natural hue. One major drawback to seagrass carpeting is that it is susceptible to damage from moisture. In moist environments, it is subject to the growth of mold and mildew. To prevent problems, spills should be wiped up immediately. This is not a good flooring choice for kitchens, bathrooms or in areas with high humidity. Because the fibers are smooth—and possibly slippery—seagrass carpeting installed on stairs should be laid with the grain facing parallel to the step treads.

HEMP

Hemp is becoming more popular in the building and interior design industry as a great eco-friendly alternative. Hemp is a very strong fiber thus making it a popular material for high-traffic areas. Hemp rugs are mildew resistant, anti-bacterial and repel water. However, a hemp rug can be stiff at first but soften over time. It is not as soft underfoot as jute or seagrass but will last longer. Lastly, hemp is biodegradable and sustainably made due to its need for little water and low-pesticide use.

BAMBOO

Bamboo is another alternative for flooring but are popular as mats, not rugs, due to its strength. Bamboo mats are commonly available in two basic styles: wide strip and narrow strip woven. The wide strip variety appears much like a bamboo flooring board with the bamboo mounted on an anti-slip backing with fabric border. Narrow strip woven bamboo area rugs are similarly designed but with a more tightly wound design of interlocked bamboo strands. Bamboo mats typically come in natural colors and are great near moisture, are very durable and eco-friendly.  

COTTON

In the U.S., farmers use a third of a pound of pesticides for every one pound of cotton. Cotton crops also require a lot of water. Cotton is not a sustainable, eco-friendly crop, so if a cotton rug is your material of choice then choose organic. Be warned that cotton rugs can stain easily and can trap moisture and dirt more easily than a natural fiber rug listed above. A cotton rug should really be your last choice for a natural and safe alternative carpet material.

Final thoughts….

The main reason why we love natural rugs is that they bring the elements of nature and serenity into any space. Not only will they ground the room, but they bring a warm and inviting foundation upon which to build the rest of your furnishings and decor. There are so many beautiful options to choose from: looks that range from casual elegance to luxurious and sophisticated, a natural choice not only looks good but is healthier for you and your family!

Remember: design well to live well.