If you love the cozy comfort of covering your floors, but don’t want to deal with the environmental and health issues brought on by synthetic carpet, consider this great eco-option: a recycled plastic rug handcrafted by Thai artisans. These ones pictured here are sold by Gaiam, a company that ensures their laborers receive fair-trade wages for their craft.

These rugs were made entirely from spent soda bottles. I’m not sure of the exact science, but according to a recent product review on amazon.con, recycled plastic is exceptionally durable and perfect for those spots that endure heavy ware and tare. As Amazon’s review explains, the carpets are made of multicolored polypropylene strands. These strands are strong and stand up to foot traffic in mudrooms, kitchens, or anywhere else there are plenty of comings and goings.

Best of all: little to no maintenance is required — only a spray from your hose. Plus the rugs are reversible. Choose from aqua reversing to yellow or rust reversing to gold.

Posted on January 9th, 2008 by Olivia Zaleski