5 Things To Know About Carpet & Indoor Air Quality
We spend an astonishing 90 percent of our lives indoors – and, for many of us, now-standard work-from-home, remote and hybrid work mean we’re spending more time in our homes than ever before.
With all that time in our homes-turned-offices, many homeowners are looking for ways to protect or improve their indoor air quality (IAQ).
Why is it so important, and what does it have to do with flooring? Read on to find out.
What Is Indoor Air Quality (Iaq)?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines indoor air quality as “the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.”
There are lots of naturally occurring pollutants that can compromise the air quality in your home – think dust, pollen and pet dander. There are man-made or chemical pollutants, too. One category of these is known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
VOCs are commonly used in the manufacture of many household products, such as cleaners, paints and textiles – and in the case of flooring, carpet.
Can I Get Voc-free Carpet?
Though no carpet is completely VOC-free, you can opt for a floor covering that has been certified for the lowest-possible VOC emissions by the Carpet and Rug Institute.
These carpets are designated as Green Label Plus-certified. All of the pattern and texture carpets in our curated collection meet these strict criteria.
What Is Green Label Plus Certification?
The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label program has been certifying carpets, cushions and adhesives for low emissions for more than 30 years. Carpets that meet Green Label Plus criteria are independently certified according to scientifically established standards as being the very-lowest-emitting products on the market.
How Do I Know If A Carpet Is Green Label Plus-certified?
Look for the CRI Green Label Plus logo for proof that the carpet meets the industry’s most stringent criteria for low emissions.
If you’re shopping with MyNewFloor.com, you can skip this step – every carpet in our ECHO and VERSO collections is Green Label Plus-certified.
Are Low-voc Carpets Also Good For The Environment?
Yes! Green Label Plus certification isn’t just good for indoor air quality – it’s good for the environment. The texture carpets in our curated collection are made using up to 30% less energy, 87% less water and 42% fewer greenhouse gasses than ordinary polyester carpets.
Shop Indoor Air Quality-friendly Carpets
Ready to explore some of the most environmentally friendly carpets available? Shop now:
The ECHO COLLECTION features carpets in a stunning range of loops, patterns and twists providing a variety of textures and shapes, including squares, chevrons or swirls. Each carpet is available in a range of 10+ colors.
The VERSO COLLECTION of texture carpets offers a luxurious feel that’s made to last. Each carpet in this collection is specially selected for its balance of softness, style and performance, and comes in a range of 12+ colors.
