| By :
Grubb Young
Reminders to reduce, reuse, and recycle are everywhere. Recycling programs are in most schools and businesses, and new technologies in energy efficiency are making it easier than ever for homes to be comfortable and use less energy. Local, state, and federal governments offer more and more incentives for businesses and homeowners alike to invest in energy efficiency. Reusing is the best possible way to recycle. By simply reusing, it keeps materials out of landfills, and cuts down on energy costs because the item doesn't have to be processed and cleaned. Decorating with antique Oushak rugs is a healthy way to reuse items that are already Earth-friendly. Antique Oushak rugs are made of natural fibers including sheep and alpaca wool. The wool in antique rugs has most often been processed into useable fibers by hand and without the use of toxic chemicals. Oushak rugs are traditionally dyed with natural vegetable dyes which also do not contain harmful chemicals. Wool and vegetable dyes are hardy materials that last even through continuous heavy use, which is why antique Oushak rugs are highly sought after for home and office interior design. Antique Oushak rugs have been knotted by hand by artisans in the Oushak region of Turkey. Non-electric hand looms have also been used historically, though loom use is a more modern way of working. New Oushak rugs can be purchased from Fair Trade organizations that work to ensure that the artisans who spend hours upon hours designing and hand knotting floor mats for export to other countries' interior design markets receive a fair price for their efforts and materials. If antique rugs that suit the room design cannot be found, new rugs made through Fair Trade efforts are an eco-friendly and socially responsible way to go. Purchasing antique rugs is also eco-friendly in that no new materials have to be obtained. This means fewer livestock need to be raised, which means less deforestation to make room for herds. Rugs made of natural fibers, and dyed with natural vegetable dyes, and manufactured by hand without the use of plastics and chemicals do not give off noxious chemicals as they degrade over time. Of course, antique wool rugs do not degrade very quickly at all, which is why so many are still available. Using rugs that do not give off chemicals is important for the health and safety of the persons who use the rug. It also helps improve air quality, which is better for lungs. Reusing is the best possible way to recycle, and being green includes considering the methods used in manufacturing as well as the effects on indoor air quality and other indoor health hazards. Natural wool rugs are a great decorating choice for eco-conscience shoppers, and antique Oushak rugs offer a great way to recycle as well.
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