5 DIY Rugs

Have you ever seen a tag on a carpet that said it contained “unknown man-made fibers.” Are you scared of the “unknown?” If it’s hanging off a carpet or rug, you should be.

“Unknown” carpet or rug fibers are generally made from a cocktail of synthetic fibers such as nylon, acrylic, polyester, or polypropylene. These fibers are treated with fire retardants, anti-static treatments, fungicides, dye and adhesives made of VOCs. Carpets are backed with polyurethane, synthetic latex, or PVC. Take a whiff. You can even smell the chemical odors of new carpets and rugs wafting up from the floor when you bring one home.

On an even stinkier note, do you know where carpets go to die? You guessed it, the landfill. Now that “unknown” cocktail is leaching into the ground and water for years and years to come.

Like wallpaper, makers and buyers of carpets and rugs are acutely aware of the environmental damage of this home decor product, and have begun to make changes. In the world of green home design, carpets and rugs are experiencing an eco-awakening.

One such carpet company, FLOR has a strong commitment to sustainability. With eco-standards for providing low-VOC’s, FLOR’s design mission blends form and function, and includes a commitment to be environmentally responsible. Their dedication to caring for the planet carries over from design and manufacturing to reclaiming and recycling old FLOR carpets and rugs into new.

Don’t want to lay down the bucks for a new carpet? Then make your own rugs. While I love the look of wood, bamboo or cork floors, nothing cozies up a room like a rug. They can even become mini-versions of carpet when put together. The DIY projects on the next page vary in cost and difficulty.

Next: 5 DIY Rugs

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Chase C.

3:35PM PST on Feb 1, 2012

Thank you for the extremely impressive article. It has great detail that are easy to understand and it also has great tips. I can't wait to read more of your blogs.interesting to read this great article indeed because I have known many great and new things from you. Thanks a lot one more time.
chase credit card

send a green star

Kristen S.

10:56AM PST on Jan 10, 2012

this would be a good hospital-stay craft.

Anne G.

1:20PM PST on Jan 5, 2012

We made braided rugs in school.

Jon H.

3:50AM PST on Jan 5, 2012

You can make throw rugs out of plastic grocery bags and their washable too and line dry and last years.

Antonella C.

8:52AM PST on Jan 4, 2012

another.... DIY Rug Made Of Felt Scraps http://www.shelterness.com/diy-rug-made-of-felt-scraps/

have fun!
antonella

Jacquie J.

6:03AM PST on Jan 4, 2012

I remember my grandmother making rugs out of old stockings - rags etc. in fact anything she could get her hands on (in other words we used to hide anything we valued even if it was old).
They were beautiful when finished and very hardwearing

Chetna P.

5:38AM PST on Jan 4, 2012

The recycled blanket one is so cool!

Rebecca S.

7:34PM PST on Jan 3, 2012

I always have wanted to do a braided rug.

Jeni G.

9:24AM PST on Jan 3, 2012

Very cool, thanks!

Danuta W.

4:29AM PST on Jan 3, 2012

Thanks for posting this informative article.