OVF April Newsletter

April is the month of the year where we recognize Earth Day. Since the 1st Earth Day in 1970, millions of people from a wide variety of countries have come together every April 22nd to stand up for our planet to promote a greener, healthier environment for the good of all people and animals. It’s hard to imagine a place where clean skies, clean water, and beautiful nature are no more. So it’s for the good of all that we set aside a day to ponder what we can do as individuals and citizens of the planet to keep the environment healthy. I have been reading on the subject of Earth Day 2024. The theme is “Planet vs Plastic.” Read more Here:

?Considering Sustainability in Flooring Options

I sometimes get asked what suggestions do I have for sustainable flooring materials. The good thing is that there are more options now than in previous years. Also, it has become easier to decipher the real aspects of a product’s sustainability since the development of the Living Product Challenge Standard and the Declare Label. This is where manufacturers voluntarily disclose product information on easy-to-read Declare labels. These labels report all product ingredients and use a simple color code system to flag chemicals of concern. Further information is provided on the product’s final assembly locations, life expectancy, end-of-life options, and overall compliance with relevant requirements of the Living Building Challenge (LBC).

Learn more:

The Impact of Declare

By facilitating and simplifying the exchange of complex ingredient information, Declare has positively changed the materials marketplace to enable the creation of buildings that better support the health of people and planet.

Ohio Valley Flooring is proud to represent both Tarkett and Metroflor Corp. These two companies are a part of the THE LIVING PRODUCT 50 (LP50)?group of visionaries in manufacturing who are focused on driving industry-wide change. They do this by sharing innovative strategies, aggregating purchasing power to influence supply chains, innovating for greener chemistry in products, and advocating for sustainability-focused policies.?Their contributions live on in the Living Product Challenge today, and for future generations.

?Johnsonite's Eco-Naturals Corktones? Takes its Cue From the Cork Oak Tree.

Cork, the bark of the cork oak tree, is one of nature’s most amazing raw materials. It’s so exceptional that no human-made product has yet been able to replicate its unique combination of properties. These trees are protected and treasured by the countries in the Mediterranean basin where they grow. Each tree is harvested by hand only once every 9 years then allowed to grow back. The cycle continues for generations. Cork is a sustainable and useful material for many products including Johnsonite’s Corktones? hammered rubber tile. Now C2C Certified Silver v3.1. See the collection Here:

Tarkett’s LinoFloor xf2 : The Carbon-negative, Commercial Linoleum Floor (and Wallcovering!) is Made with All-Natural Materials.

?Made entirely of natural raw materials and enriched by more than a century of heritage, Tarkett’s LinoFloor xf2 is a modern solution to the challenges of contemporary interior design. Tarkett’s linoleum is the first in the industry to become Cradle to Cradle Certified? Silver. The xf2 protection delivers superior resistance to stains, abrasions and chemicals. VERY durable even under heavy traffic and rolling loads. Easy Maintenance.

Déjà New, Metroflor’s Benchmark Commercially Rated Glue-down LVT, Has Now Become the Manufacturer’s? First Carbon Neutral Product!

?In order to have an?immediate impact, Metroflor has committed support?to REDD+?projects, in partnership with?Everland, that protect forests and enhance the lives of their human inhabitants through the purchase of Verified Emission Reductions (VERs).

What is “REDD+” ? ‘

‘REDD’ stands for ‘Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries.?Countries have established the ‘REDD+’ framework to protect forests as part of the?Paris Agreement. REDD+ currently protects 497,000 hectares of the Southern Cardamom Rainforest!

The Southern Cardamom in Cambodia is one of the?last unfragmented rainforests remaining?in Southeast Asia. It’s a biodiversity hotspot under relentless threat from illegal logging and poaching.

What is “EVERLAND”?

Everland is an organization established to help people prosper from conserving their forests and wildlife, resulting in climate change mitigation for the benefit of all.

I am pleased to share that Metroflor takes sustainability very seriously! Besides the Déjà New Carbon Neutral endeavor, all Metroflor samples shipped within the Continental U.S. are sent via UPS Carbon Neutral as standard practice. A portion of the cost to ship UPS Carbon Neutral supports global projects that offset the carbon contribution of shipping. Bravo, Metroflor!

Sneak a Peak at Metroflor’s Newest Déjà New Architect Folder!

?Last month when my co-workers and I attended the Metroflor Summit in Norwalk, Conn., we were thrilled to see some new visuals added to this line. We are especially excited to now have terrazzo looks available in Déjà New! Updated architect folders will become available in the coming months and we look forward to showing you the collection later this summer.

The existing collection featuring textile looks, stone, and wood looks can be seen Here:

Are You Considering Natural Hardwood For Any Of Your Projects? Mirage is the Wood Floor that Lasts!

?Last but certainly not least, I’d like to discuss natural wood floors in terms of sustainability. 1. Wood is all natural and can outlast other flooring types for decades, even generations! 2. Hardwood is a renewable resource. 3. Hardwood is biodegradable, while other flooring types are not. 4. Hardwood is the real deal, not an imitation! 5. Wood floors can enhance the value of a property. 6. Wood floors may be sanded and rejuvenated where other flooring types, if not recycled, may eventually end up in landfills. Mirage Wood floors use the finest quality wood from responsibly managed North American forests.

Learn more about Mirage Wood Here:

Thanks for reading... Until next time!

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