At RD Weis we’ve seen a growing interest in, and awareness of the concept of sustainability. Sustainability is the practice whereby economic growth and development happen, and are maintained over the long term, within the limits set by ecology.

We’re proud to say that the flooring industry has responded to this concern by making a range of eco-friendly products and services that are non-toxic, recycled, or easily recyclable or reusable readily available and affordable.

Sustainable products are those that are harvested, created or produced using a method that does not deplete or permanently damage their source materials. "Green" or sustainable floor coverings now include much more than the obvious stone and ceramic: palm and bamboo have become popular substitutes for hardwood while cork, reclaimed lumber and recycled rubber offer more choices. Even the old standby linoleum is reclaiming its popularity.

What these materials have in common is that they are nontoxic and long lasting—and are either recyclable or made from recycled materials. The environmental benefit is that products made from recycled materials reduce solid waste problems, cut energy consumption in manufacturing, and save on natural resource use.

Something else you might want to consider besides the relative environmental merits of different floor coverings is the type of sub-floor they require, and, particularly, how the flooring is installed. Not only are many flooring adhesives energy intensive to manufacture, but they often contain toxic materials that can harm workers during installation or reduce indoor air quality in the occupied space.

More resources can easily be consumed, and more toxins produced, in the maintenance of a floor than during its manufacture and installation. At RD Weis we’re proud to service our customers’ carpets with a technology that inhibits the growth of dust mites and other organisms. Its non-toxic cleaning agent removes soil, volatile organic compounds, dust mite allergens and other particulates, effectively cleaning your carpet and improving your facility’s indoor air quality.

Eventually, though, carpeting is going to ugly out and become dated looking—no matter how wisely it’s chosen or how well it’s maintained. The wear and tear of foot traffic, the effects of sunlight and weather, the unavoidable spills and damage—all these factors will conspire to make new carpet necessary. Or is it?

Other companies might try to sell you new carpeting but our corporate culture promotes environmental awareness, and we are vigilant about opportunities to reclaim and reuse. If you are interested in learning more about alternatives to buying new carpeting please click on the link above.

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