In the wake of the "green" movement, increasing numbers of businesses are trying to become more environmentally responsible through a wide variety of implementations such as the use of coiled light bulbs, solar panels and paperless billing. What many companies don't consider, however, is the building itself as well as the typical and often daily methods of cleaning and maintenance, the largest culprit in this oversight being the structure's flooring.
Because there are so many synthetic flooring materials on the market today, including carpet, laminate, epoxy flooring and tile, businesses often will lean toward these because of their seemingly low costs and attractive appearances. However, these materials are at high cost both to the consumer and the environment due to required, frequent replacement and maintenance, as most synthetic materials wear out and become damaged very quickly. Replacement can be very toxic to the environment as well as to people. For example, the manufacturing process used in the production of carpet requires large amounts of oil and water, the latter of which is wasted in huge quantities. In addition, extremely toxic dyes are used in carpet, and often these toxins end up in the water supply. Similarly, tile and laminate production releases large amounts of toxins into the air and water, endangering both people and the environment. Even the installation and removal of these materials is very toxic and can pollute the air immediately.
The materials used to clean and maintain synthetic flooring can present an equal if not increased danger to the environment and the people in it. Chemicals are the most widely used cleaning options for most flooring materials and are often found infiltrating the water system and air. In addition, these chemicals are proven lung, eye and skin irritants. Furthermore, with discontinued or reduced use of these chemicals, synthetic materials such as carpet and tile provide a breeding ground for a slew of allergens, including mold and mildew, making the workplace even more unsafe for employees and customers alike. These allergens also increase the need for replacement of the flooring material, which again releases more toxins into the environment and air.
One solution to all these problems that is often overlooked is the installation of polished concrete floors. In recent years, polished concrete has become widely available in a number of colors and patterns. In addition, it is much more durable and environmentally friendly than the aforementioned materials. An increasing number of water-based dyes have become available with a dry, dust-free grind that is safer for the environment and people and requires no wax or chemical maintenance. And because it lasts so much longer than other flooring materials, it requires far less maintenance and therefore greatly reduces pollution typically created through replacement and cleaning processes.
Having an environmentally friendly material such as polished concrete available facilitates the choice between it and a synthetic material such as carpet or tile. By eliminating the required use of chemicals and toxic processes, adding polished concrete to your business's list of environmentally responsible choices can help your company go "green" with integrity.
Because there are so many synthetic flooring materials on the market today, including carpet, laminate, epoxy flooring and tile, businesses often will lean toward these because of their seemingly low costs and attractive appearances. However, these materials are at high cost both to the consumer and the environment due to required, frequent replacement and maintenance, as most synthetic materials wear out and become damaged very quickly. Replacement can be very toxic to the environment as well as to people. For example, the manufacturing process used in the production of carpet requires large amounts of oil and water, the latter of which is wasted in huge quantities. In addition, extremely toxic dyes are used in carpet, and often these toxins end up in the water supply. Similarly, tile and laminate production releases large amounts of toxins into the air and water, endangering both people and the environment. Even the installation and removal of these materials is very toxic and can pollute the air immediately.
The materials used to clean and maintain synthetic flooring can present an equal if not increased danger to the environment and the people in it. Chemicals are the most widely used cleaning options for most flooring materials and are often found infiltrating the water system and air. In addition, these chemicals are proven lung, eye and skin irritants. Furthermore, with discontinued or reduced use of these chemicals, synthetic materials such as carpet and tile provide a breeding ground for a slew of allergens, including mold and mildew, making the workplace even more unsafe for employees and customers alike. These allergens also increase the need for replacement of the flooring material, which again releases more toxins into the environment and air.
One solution to all these problems that is often overlooked is the installation of polished concrete floors. In recent years, polished concrete has become widely available in a number of colors and patterns. In addition, it is much more durable and environmentally friendly than the aforementioned materials. An increasing number of water-based dyes have become available with a dry, dust-free grind that is safer for the environment and people and requires no wax or chemical maintenance. And because it lasts so much longer than other flooring materials, it requires far less maintenance and therefore greatly reduces pollution typically created through replacement and cleaning processes.
Having an environmentally friendly material such as polished concrete available facilitates the choice between it and a synthetic material such as carpet or tile. By eliminating the required use of chemicals and toxic processes, adding polished concrete to your business's list of environmentally responsible choices can help your company go "green" with integrity.
About the Author:
Concrete refinishing services provides distinctive and one-of-a-kind flooring refinishing services to commercial warehouse operators thoughout the midwest. Experience includes polished concrete flooring, epoxy floor treatments and other distinctive flooring services. These improve workplace safety as well as add great visual appeal to most spaces. Contact us today for more information.
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