Fabric/fiber/finish

Natural fiber floor coverings are a better option than synthetics and gaining popularity due to them being less harmful to the environment like synthetics. The types of natural fibers used for floor coverings consist of coir, jute, rush, seagrass or sisal fibers. These natural fibers are usually woven to make outside floor coverings but are becoming more popular for inside use for the fact that they are more sustainable and do not lack warmth compared to synthetics. Although natural fibers are becoming much more popular they lack in terms of resilience and durability. They stain easy, are very absorbent, come in limited colors and are not as soft as the synthetic floor coverings.

Coir Fiber is very coarse, strong but less flexile. It is made of coconut husks and is cellulose. They have a rough texture and are usually woven very loose; being susceptible to snagging.
Jute fiber is the least expensive natural fiber and is manly used for inexpensive fabrics. Jute is less durable than other natural fibers and does not hold up well, but is much softer.
Rush fibers are the thinker of natural fibers. They hold up well but are slick and smooth.
Seagrass is very durable and tough and is highly resilient to spills and soiling. It is smooth and comfortable and wears well. It does not dye well but naturally has a beautiful range of green and tan colors to choose from.
Sisal is a very versatile material that can be woven many different ways to make patterns. They are also very great for floor treatments because it is very durable, anti-static and do not need to be stain protected and take to dye well.

Personal Shopper; For Summer, Furnishings That Weave a Tropical Spell
The use of natural fibers is becoming very popular for furniture, floor coverings, and textiles. They are fairly more expensive, but more sustainable and better for the environment.

The use of organic and natural fiber clothing is better for the environment and for the person wearing them. Texas is slowly expanding the market for organic cotton. While hemp clothing is trying to break through, restrictions in the US make it difficult because of its THC levels and belonging to the same species of marijuana. Hemp farming was legalized in 1998 in Canada and is grown in much of Europe and Asia. There are list of natural and organic fibers such as organic wool, hemp, linen, silk, bamboo and soy and better ways to buy clothing that is healthier for us and the world we live in. There are also a list of stores to buy these kinds of apparel from. (national geographic.)