This makes the company possibly the only one around making truly eco-friendly and sustainable rugs that also factor in a commitment to social fairness. Their rugs are GOTS certified, GoodWeave certified, and are vibrant, safe, sustainable, and attractive. Organic Weave offers a wide range of rugs handmade in India by skilled women artisans. Organic Weave produced what may have been the first GOTS certified organic rugs available and remain committed to partnering with women in rural India to provide dignified work and sustainable income while guaranteeing that no illegal child labor is involved. Based in Montreal, Canada, the company was founded by Linda Alexanian after a trip to India in 1989 where she witnessed widespread child labor in the rug industry and committed to bringing change to the industry. Organic Weave are arguably one of the best of the best for eco-friendly rugs. View on Organic Weave Affiliate disclosure Because of the nature of recycled textiles, Hook and Loom rugs are listed as comprising 85% cotton, 12% polyester, and 3% other materials.Ĭheck out my review of Hook and Loom’s eco cotton rugs and wool rugs, and a new review of their 2021 GOTS Organic Cotton Rug collection. As such, the rugs do not fade or bleed when washed. They then hand-weave new rugs without having to add dyes or chemicals. Unlike other companies who use ‘recycled’ cotton that is actually just new cotton rejected for poor quality, Hook and Loom amass discarded textiles and recover the fibers, separating these into spools of colored yarn. They are available in a variety of colors, patterns, pile heights, and sizes and are made without stain repellents, fire retardants, or other chemicals. Rugs start at $22 for 2′ x 3′ and are handwoven on wooden looms. The rugs are made from undyed wool and recovered textile fibers, including cotton and recycled plastic, without dyes or chemicals, and are shipped with minimal packaging to reduce environmental impact. This company is based in Massachusetts and make rugs in carefully selected workshops in India, free from child labor. If you’re looking for a colorful rug, Hook and Loom are a great place to start. For the other rugs in their range, the four leaves still stands (and they’re still a great choice!). UPDATE: Hook and Loom responded to our original review and decided to launch a brand new collection of 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton rugs! This bumps them up to a five leaf rating from us, for that collection, which is made without dyes, chemicals, VOCs, latex, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, mordants, or defoliants. What follows is a quick overview of my top companies for natural rugs, with links to individual reviews of rugs I recommend. Does the rug have green certifications?.Does the manufacturing of the rug harm humans, other animals, and/or the environment?.Are the materials or the final product treated with toxic chemicals, such as azo dyes?.Are these materials recycled and/or recyclable, organic, natural, and fairly sourced?.What materials are used in making the rug?.If you’re in the market for a new eco-friendly rug, and want to make a healthy choice, consider the following questions: In general, if a rug is marketed as stain resistant, it has probably been treated with toxic chemicals or is made with synthetic, closed fiber materials that cause environmental pollution and health problems of their own. VOCs are commonly found in rugs because these textiles are treated with stain and water repellents, antimicrobial treatments (in bath rugs, for instance), and anti-static treatments, as well as adhesives, artificial dyes, and flame retardants. So much so that, according to the EPA, concentrations of VOCs inside a house can be ten-fold higher than outdoors, which is why we did the research for our readers on the best indoor air quality monitors. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are emitted as a breathable gas from rugs, carpets, and other common household furnishings and products. If a rug does end up in landfill a natural, non-toxic rug will break down much faster and without leaching toxins into the air, water, or soil compared to a synthetic rug or rug treated with toxic chemicals. Rugs are also a better option than carpet in many ways, given that fewer resources go into making them and, once you’re ready to let a natural fiber rug go, it’s much easier to repurpose or recycle. Why rugs are more eco-friendly than carpeting
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