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Q: Are there environmental issues with Ipe flooring and furniture?

Hi, I just asked about Ipe in the flooring section. I've been doing more research and there seem to be some environmental issues with this wood. Can someone who is a green expert tell me more about these concerns? Also, if there is an issue with Ipe, I would like to get some recommendations on green/environmentally-friendly flooring options. ...I didn't know there was an issue until poking around some more.

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    Understand that all wood has become an enviromental issue. Exotic wood that is imported such as Ipe and many many others is more so due to illegal harvesting. The Lacey Act is helping to keep these products out of the market. This of coarse lends to some availability issues. One of the best ways to be sure you are buying enviromentally friendly products is to look for the FSC logo. There are lots of different types of earth friendly green floors and if your a builder you can qualify for some great LEED credits too!

    Cork for example is a natural insulator, impervious to both liquid and gas so it never rots, it is hypoallergenic because it doesn't absorb dust, is fire retardant and does not spread flames. Because of it's cellular composition it is extremely durable and is a rapidly renewable resource. This floor actually comes from the bark of a tree leaving the tree itself intact. Cork has come along from the basic brown people are used to seeing. If you are interested I reccommend checking out APC Cork products.

    Bamboo is another type of rapidly renewable flooring growing in popularity. Bamboo is the fastest-growing woody plant on Earth. It’s as durable as hardwood, even though the plant is technically in the grass family. Be careful, Not all bamboo is the same. Look for FSC Certification and pay attention to weather or not it uses Formaldahyde Free adhesives.I like Allwood bamboo and it meets all of these requirements.

    Stone is also a green floor, however it is not as renewable and extraction requires excess amounts of energy that should be considered if your a believer in global warming. There is also green carpet, laminate,rubber and vinyl.

    Really you should give your consideration to the green qualities that you are looking for in relation to the design you trying to implement.

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    Aug 14, 2022

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