January 3, 2003—The National Wood Flooring Association recently issued a statement on several environmental assumptions that exist regarding the use of real wood flooring.
“On the 486 million acres of forestland in the United States classified as commercial, for every one tree that is cut for lumber, five more are planted in its place,” says David Williams, president, NWFA.
This practice of reforestation has not only doubled the number of trees that are grown in the U.S. today, but works to decrease the chance of disease- infestation. Members of the NWFA, as well as non-members in the wood flooring industry, follow strict guidelines to ensure the future of commercial forests as well as the environment as a whole.
As wood flooring is a recyclable flooring option, the practice of renewing wood from old barns, warehouses and other structures is an environmentally- friendly, yet design-savvy trend available in real wood flooring. Another such trend is “reclaimed” flooring made of sunken wood from the logging practices of yesteryear salvaged from riverbeds.
Installing a wood flooring actually promotes a healthier living environment in a commercial setting, says the NWFA. According to an EPA study, wood floors do not harbor allergens, microorganisms or harmful pesticides that can be tracked in from the outdoors.
For more information about wood flooring and the environment, contact NWFA.
