Choose organic fruits and vegetables rather than conventionally raised. Use a stainless steel water bottle instead of plastic. Turn off your lights when you are not using them. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
These are all common ways individuals attempt to limit their exposure to toxins and chemicals and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. However, there is another area that may be worth paying attention to if you wish to limit your exposure to harmful toxins: flooring.
The Effect of Flooring on Indoor Pollutant Levels
Studies suggest that indoor pollution can be two to five times higher than outside. If you are wondering what contributes to this compromised indoor air, look down.
When installed, flooring and carpet can release volatile organic compounds VOCs into the air.
What Are Volatile Organic Compounds?
VOCs are gases emitted from certain solids and liquids, some of which may have potential health effects. VOC concentrations have been consistently found to be higher indoors.
While no flooring product will have zero effect on the environment, some choices are better than others when it comes to your health and the planet.
Carefully chosen flooring can help minimise indoor air pollution while still being stylish and durable.
At Online Flooring Store, we are dedicated to our customer’s needs, health, and interests. That is why we feature a variety of products featuring Global GreenTag certification and recycled, eco-friendly materials.
What Is Global GreenTag Certification?
Global GreenTag was motivated by the growing demand for eco-friendly products and the numerous studies that have proved the need for firmer mitigation over the supply chain to ensure more eco-friendly, healthier products.
Global GreenTag is widely trusted and recognised throughout the world. Its eco-labels highlight products that are independently tested and certified using the best scientific methods.
GreenTag serves as a tool to cut out the guesswork and empower professionals and consumers to confidently choose products that have been made in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.
GreenTag certification requires manufacturers to provide full disclosure and transparency of every product and process.
When the Mobium Group released its latest round of research into the Australian market for more sustainable, healthier products with the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) Report, GreenTag was ranked in the top 25 EcoBrands for 2018.
GreenTag is dedicated to raising awareness of progressive manufacturers who aim to lessen impacts on the environment, especially the world’s rainforests and threatened wildlife habitats.
Global GreenTag’s globally trusted Certification standards are recognised throughout the world in Australia, Africa, Southeast Asia, Maaysia and over 70 other countries.
What Does It Take To Get Global Green Tag Certified?
Flooring products must undergo an extensive evaluation process involving a thorough review of the product’s manufacturing and formulation, an onsite audit, and testing of product emissions.
To be certified, Global GreenTag products must feature 100% transparency regarding the toxicity of individual ingredients. This requirement is intended to help:
- Make it easier for building professionals to confidently make distinctions between products that are better for human health and products that are not
- Make it easier and clearer for building professionals to communicate health-related product decisions to clients
- Respect and recognise the increase in conscious, environmentally-concerned consumers who want improved access to authentic product information and healthier, trustworthy choices
- Provide both building professionals and consumers with absolute peace of mind when it comes to products that are safe for human health, ecosystems, residential building projects, and workplace projects
What Is the FloorScore Program?
The FloorScore program is administered by the RFCI, with SCS as the exclusive certification body. FloorScore partners with independent, accredited labs throughout the world to provide unbiased, efficient testing.
With a strict focus on the relevant chemicals of concern when testing products, the FloorScore program can avoid excessive testing while pinpointing potential areas of issue.
The FloorScore brand and logo ensure a product:
- Contributes to better indoor air quality
- Satisfies supply chain specifications
- Identifies opportunities for improvement
- Complies with EPA ecolabel and GSA procureent requirements
Which VOCs Does FloorScore Test For?
FloorScore tests for 35 individual Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde.
Does the FloorScore Standard Include Phthalates?
The FloorScore standard is a VOC emission-based standard for indoor air quality. As phthalates are not considered an emission source when manufactured in flooring, they are not included within the scope of testing.
Primary exposure concerns regarding phthalates are related to ingestion, such as with plastic bottles or toys. Manufacturers do sometimes choose to test for phthalates through qualified labs. Please let us know if phthalates are a specific concern of yours and we will be glad to help you determine which flooring choices would best meet your preferences.
Where Can I Find FloorScore and Global Green Tag Flooring Products?
At Online Flooring Store, we have seen firsthand the increasing demand for cleaner, greener, safe products. Since our customers’ needs are our number one concern, we make a point to continually research the safest products to offer and the latest news on eco-friendly flooring types.
We carry a wide range of Global GreenTag certified products and would be glad to help you determine the best flooring — both in terms of appearance and health — for your space.
NOTE: Any products that are FloorScore or Global GreenTag certified products will clearly display the respective badges on individual product pages on our website.
Learn More About Greener, Healthier Flooring
If you are interested in choosing the healthiest flooring for your home and the planet, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be happy to walk you through which of our products would best suit your needs.
We have two passions: flooring and our customers. When it comes to buying flooring, we are here to help you from the process of researching all the way to helping you find a qualified, professional layer and after.
Our goal is to be the most caring, knowledgable flooring store around and we hope that will be obvious the minute you talk to any of our welcoming, experienced team members.
For more information on how to choose the best flooring for your home, ways to make your home healthier, the latest flooring trends, and more, please feel free to browse our regularly updated blog.
We would love to hear from you and help you work through any questions or concerns you have regarding choosing flooring for your home or business.
