In my search for a flooring that had the least impact on the environment, I think cork is my best choice. What an amazing product! Cork is harvested from the Cork Oak trees mostly grown in the Mediterranean. The bark of the tree is peeled off every 9 years or so and the tree grows a new layer. These trees are so cherished in Portugal, where 50% of the worlds cork supply comes from that they are managed closely by the government.
Cork floors are actually made from the waste of the cork bottle stopper industry, so it is a recycled product. In producing the flooring there is almost zero waste. Cork has an antimicrobial in it that deters pests, molds and mildews. It is comfortable on the feet and joints to walk on, a great sound barrier and elegant to the touch. If cared for properly, cork will last as long as hardwood flooring. Many large businesses are turning to cork as the environmental, long lasting choice for flooring.
Don't you wish all the building material available were so environmentally sound?
Here are some online sources for cork flooring: http://www.sustainableflooring.com/ http://www.igreenbuild.com/_coreModules/common/categoryDetail.aspx?categoryID=503 http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/wicanders_lush.php
Contact Karen Williamson R(s) for all your Maui real estate needs.
808-281-5253
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