In today’s educational landscape, schools are increasingly focused on sustainability—not just in their curriculum but also in their physical spaces. From energy-efficient lighting to waste reduction initiatives, schools are striving to reduce their environmental impact while fostering a healthy, productive environment for students. One often-overlooked but essential element in creating such spaces is the classroom mat. Sustainable classroom mats can contribute to your schools' environmentally conscious learning environments.
The Need for Sustainable Learning Spaces
Classrooms are where students spend a significant amount of time, and the environment plays a crucial role in their overall well-being and ability to learn. Choosing sustainable resources to decorate your classroom with encourages not only eco-friendly practices but also fosters a sense of responsibility in children. Teaching students about the impact of their choices and leading by example through purchasing sustainable, high quality resources, will mean they are more likely to internalise these values and carry them into adulthood.
The Role of Classroom Mats in Sustainability
Classroom rugs are more than just decorative elements; they are an integral part of a classroom's functionality. They provide comfort, noise reduction, and a central meeting spot, creating a more inviting and productive space. But when chosen carefully, classroom rugs can also align with a school’s sustainability goals.
Here are a few ways classroom mats contribute to sustainable learning environments:
1. Eco-Friendly Materials
Traditional mats often use non recycled materials, which are derived from petroleum and can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Sustainable classroom mats, like all our Classroom Mats, Customisable Welcome Mats and Hallway Runners, on the other hand, are made from recycled materials, such as reclaimed fishing nets, plastic water bottles and rubber tyres, that would otherwise end up in the ocean or landfill. These materials have a much smaller carbon footprint, and are safer for students. The materials are recycled to their original purity and reduce products that would end up in the world's oceans or landfill.
2. Durability and Longevity
Purchasing a product that is fit for purpose is a key factor in making a conscientious and sustainable choice. A well-made mat that is durable, easy to maintain and made to withstand the rigours of the classroom will ensure you will not need to replace it for many years to come, representing value for money. This reduces waste and the need for constant production and disposal of new rugs, helping to minimise environmental impact. Our mats are made to last a life-time, and are easily cleaned with soapy water and a scrubbing brush, meaning even if they start to look a little worse for wear (inevitable in a busy classroom!) you can clean them and have them looking brand new. Our mats are commercial grade with non-trip edges that are not overlocked like traditional classroom rugs – so nothing to curl up and start to fray or be picked at by students. They are Velcro resistant, waterproof, fade resistant and can be easily and effectively cleaned.
3. Supporting Green Initiatives
By choosing sustainable classroom rugs, schools not only reduce their carbon footprint but also align with broader green initiatives, such as the Sustainable Facilities policy in Victorian schools, or the NSW Department of Education’s Commitment to Sustainability. At Bloom Classroom, we are part of a global initiative committed to reducing and repurposing waste. To date, we have contributed to reducing the volume of discarded fishing nets in the ocean by 640 000 tonnes, saving millions of marine animals.
4. Comfort and Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond their environmental benefits, sustainable classroom rugs also contribute to a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing learning environment. Comfortable spaces encourage students to spend more time in the classroom and participate in collaborative activities like reading, group work, or play. Mats can be used strategically to encourage collaboration, such as our Campfire Classroom Mat or our Caves Classroom Mat.
Conclusion
As schools continue to prioritise sustainability, every product choice becomes an opportunity to support eco-friendly practices. Classroom rugs, though often overlooked, are a key part of this effort. By selecting mats made from sustainable materials, schools can reduce their environmental impact while creating more comfortable, healthy, and engaging learning environments for students.
At Bloom Classroom, we are committed to providing sustainable, long-lasting and fit for purpose classroom mats made from recycled materials that would otherwise end up in landfill or our oceans. We create sustainable resources to support the environment that will be inherited by the same students who use our products.