Green Statement

The media is full of mixed messages about "green products".... We hear of many efforts that sound good, but most come with hidden environmental costs which are rarely discussed. Recycling is a good example. It takes barrels of petroleum to collect and sort post-consumer waste, not to mention the millions of kilowatts needed to recycle carpet back into the carpet or to up-cycle plastic bottles into the floor covering. So, why not choose a product that is natural from the start?

Among our floor covering selections are weaves that are made from sisal, seagrass, mountain grass, coir, and wool. All of which are renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable. The growers we work with have been practicing their craft for centuries with respect for their land and their people. These crops sustain their culture and are part of an Eco-system that supports life and betters our future.

When it comes to the environment, the difference between natural and synthetic materials is vast. Synthetic fibers are man-made from plastic, and most plastic is made from oil. Even though there is a significant market for recycled plastics, most plastic material is not biodegradable and will remain in the landfill. Increased use of plant fibers and animal hairs, like seagrass, sisal, mountain grass, coir, and wool can make a dramatic difference in reducing oil consumption. If you are looking for quality, durability, and an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic carpet and rugs, look to us for the best in natural fiber floor coverings.

NATURALLY RENEWABLE | STRONG | HIGH QUALITY | SOFT UNDERFOOT | ANTI-STATIC

Seagrass carpets are made from the sedge family of plants, which grow in the low-lying areas of the Asia-Pacific region. The perennial grasses are harvested from paddy fields that are flooded with seawater during the growing cycle. When the grass is mature, the fields are drained and the plants are cut and bundled. Workers twist (or ply) the grass entirely by hand and send it to factories where it is wound on tubes, loaded on creels, and woven into carpet. Seagrass once thought to be an unusable fiber has been transformed by weavers into sought-after products such as baskets, placemats, bowls, and flooring. The yarn, which is strong, durable, and non-porous, has a naturally smooth texture, subtle sheen, and warm hue that make it a popular choice for use in carpets and rugs. No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used in seagrass production, and most weeding is done by hand rather than through the use of herbicides.

RENEWABLE | BIODEGRADABLE | SOUND ABSORBING | FLAME RESISTANT | ANTI-STATIC | INSULATING

We use superior-grade sisal, grown on plantations in Tanzania, East Africa. This extremely strong fiber is obtained from the long, green leaves of the Agave plant. Each leaf contains an average of 1,000 fibers that are extracted, washed, sun-dried, brushed, graded, and baled. The remaining plant is used to produce electricity, which supports Tanzania's economy and helps energize rural areas. Sisal is used in many hard-wearing products, including twines, ropes, plaster reinforcements, and dartboards. The same qualities of strength that make the fiber preferred in these products, make it ideal for floor covering. Aside from this durability sisal is remarkably versatile, enabling us to produce carpets in an exceptional range of colors. No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used in sisal production, and most weeding is done by hand rather than through the use of herbicides.

SUSTAINABLE | BIODEGRADABLE | SOIL REPELLENT | HARD WEARING | MOLD & MILDEW RESISTANT

Coir fibers are found between the husk and the outer shell of a coconut. In Kerala, India where most Coir is harvested, fully grown coconuts are split on spikes to remove the nutritious layer of fruit. The remaining shells are soaked in freshwater rivers until the husks deteriorate, leaving the golden brown fiber, which is sun-dried and hand-spun into yarn. With care and attention, Coir fiber can be harvested for years from the same coconut tree. Highly prized for its strength and durability, Coir has long been a favorite for hard-wearing rugs. The fiber, which has a natural elasticity, can be twisted without breaking and holds a curl as though permanently waved. These unique characteristics blend into beautiful textures that look good in any style of home.

RENEWABLE | BIODEGRADABLE | FLAME RETARDANT | LONG LASTING | SOIL RESISTANT

Wool, along with specialty fleeces like Alpaca and Mohair, are completely natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibers. Noted for their luxurious feel and exceptional strength, these carpet fibers make an excellent environmental choice. New Zealand sets the standard for carpet wool. The fleece from this eco-friendly country has a strong legacy of being the cleanest and whitest in the world. New Zealand farmers also raise their sheep with exceptional care, following strict animal welfare and land management techniques. Alpaca, which originated in South America, are the only fiber-producing animals with 22 recognized natural colors. The cashmere-like fleece is known for its fineness, light weight, and luster. These luxurious qualities are also inherent in Mohair fleece. The angora goats that produce this long, silky fleece are primarily farmed in the United States.