It's heartbreaking to know that oftentimes, many of the rugs being produced today come at a huge cost - to the planet and its people. Toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and plastics often plague the industry. That's why it's incredibly important to understand the differences and purchase items that have been made by artisans with the highest standards in mind - not only in the quality of the products they crafted but also in the mindfulness of the planet too.

VOCs:
Rugs, carpets, and other household furnishings often contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are emitted as a breathable gas. The EPA notes that concentrations of these compounds found indoors can be up to ten times higher than outside. This is due to treatments such as stain and water repellents, antimicrobial treatments, anti-static treatments, adhesives, artificial dyes, and flame retardants. Many of these materials used to make rugs more functional contain toxic chemicals that can be detrimental to our health and environment. Our rugs are naturally stain resistant, which means you won't need to worry about any added chemicals to ensure the stain resistance. Plus, no VOCs are present in our rugs, so you can make sure your home stays healthy.

Stain Resistant Manufactured Rugs:
With kids and other animals in the house, it can be tempting to get a stain-resistant rug to help keep messes under control. However, it’s important to be aware that the children, pets, and other family members who spend more time close to the rug are more exposed to the potentially toxic chemicals used in its manufacturing process. Research has found that certain components of these rugs, like perfluorinated chemicals, could be associated with adverse health effects. When little ones or other vulnerable family members may be spending time close to the rug, it is understandably concerning to consider the impact of such chemicals on developing bodies and brains. Due to the fact that our rugs come from all-natural sources, featuring wool that is ordinarily resistant to staining, you won't have to worry about any exposure to perflourinated chemicals or other harsh ingredients.

Flame Retardants and Unnatural Dyes:
Wool is naturally flame resistant, which is why it is a great choice of material for rugs. It does not need to be treated with harsh flame retardants, which in the case of other materials like nylon and polypropylene is almost always the case. Unfortunately, some rug companies still use toxic chemicals to dye wool, turning a natural material into a potential environmental hazard. We understand how important it is to not compromise on aesthetics, health, or the environment in any endeavor. That's why we are proud to say that all the rugs offer are made using natural plant-based or vegetable dyes.

Manufactured Rugs Backing:
If your manufactured rug appears 'natural', it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the materials used in the backing and padding. They could contain substances like synthetic latex, phthalates, vinyl, urethane, 4-phenylcylclohexene, or PVC, which can be hazardous to your health. Our rugs were handmade with all-natural materials, free of harmful toxins, both on the front and the back, and our rug pads are just as eco-friendly.

Synthetic Rugs and Climate:
Conventional synthetic rugs can have a severe effect on our well-being, the environment, and global warming. Their energy usage, water consumption, and environmental pollution have been documented to be alarming. To add, these items are often discarded or replaced when styles change and may linger in landfills, exuding noxious gasses and hazardous chemicals until they degrade. Whereas, a natural fiber rug grown and produced without toxic elements is a more conscious choice when it comes to the impact on our health, and the earth. Furthermore, compared to carpets, rugs are produced with fewer resources and, when your rug has run its course, it can be repurposed or recycled more easily. In the eventuality that the rug ends up in a landfill, the natural and nontoxic material will decompose much faster, without contaminating air, water, and soil in the same way as synthetic rugs and those treated with toxic compounds.