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Home decorating using natural or eco-friendly products is a fast growing trend and an environmental awareness act. Gone are the days when natural materials, recycling and concern for things other than humans are considered uncool. At present, pressing concerns for the worsening global warming is spreading worldwide.

I think it’s great that a growing number of people are becoming aware and doing their share to care for the environment. I for one am contributing in my own small ways. I support eco-friendly products and don’t mind recycling and reusing things. I also happily shop in secondhand or thrift stores for recycled and used products. I get funky pieces and I save more. Area rugs are some popular home decors that have jumped in the green bandwagon. There are rugs made of bamboo, wool and jute, which are sturdy materials and actually last longer than synthetic products. My own rugs are made of wool and bamboo.

Wool area rugs are a well-known kind of rug. It is from sheep’s hair and therefore a renewable resource. Wool shearing is not an act of animal abuse. It is painless and is actually a proper care for the animals. Sheep have to be sheared in time for the summer season so that they will be more comfortable during the long hot months. The sheep will grow back their hair and the process will be repeated. Making wool does not make use of chemicals and too much water. With a simple process results a product that is famous for its quality and beauty. Most area rugs are made of wool.

Bamboo is an additional material well matched to protecting the environment. Bamboo is a woody grass and also has the distinction of being the quickest growing plant on the earth. This makes bamboo a cost effective material for making rugs and that too, with limited harmful affects to the environment.

Jute is another material from plant, but this time grown in India and Bangladesh. It is a very soft fiber and works well too for those who prefer soft and lush area rugs. It is also cheap, widely available and durable.

Bamboo rugs are eco-friendly products from bamboo plant. This plant grows back fast and is cost effective in the rug production. Rugs made from this fiber are also fast becoming popular.

Recycling carpets can also be considered eco-friendly and two manufacturers are leading the way. Mohawk runs the world’s largest plastic bottle recycling plant; they purchase approximately 25 to 30 percent of recycled plastic bottles in the United States. The recycled carpet is then made into polyethylene terephthalate carpet and rug material. This is then transformed into products made up of 100% post-consumer content such as new area rugs. Shaw is another manufacturer who recycles rugs and carpets and creates new carpeting.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that many people even big manufacturers are doing their share to protect the environment? Area rugs made of natural materials or are recycled are also of excellent quality as the other goods. They are produced without harming the environment, and us as consumers, if we opt for these eco-friendly products are making a difference. The higher the demand, the more companies will produce eco-friendly goods. The more of these, the less damage we do to the environment. Let’s do our share. Bamboo, jute, sisal and wool rugs are beautiful decors without any price to pay to the planet we call our home. Leo will be happy.