Here at Rugs by Roo, we set out to find rugs that can withstand the test of time and match Roo's level of play and creativity. But we're not just going for design and functionality. Being easily the single largest piece of decor in your home, we want to make sure that it is not emitting unnecessary toxins into the air that you and your family breathe. It's gotta be safe. And lastly, we understand that everything we make leaves an impact on the earth that comes back to our children one day. That is why sustainable and ethical production practices is important to us.
INTRODUCING THE ROO TEST
When seeking out brands that we stand behind, the ROO Test is our 3 step checklist. We understand that not all brands are alike and even within the same brand, not all rugs are made the same. We vet not only the brand but we are also selective in the collections within each brand that we carry in our store.
We believe transparency is key and you will always know what goes into a rug that you buy from us before you buy it.
Step 1: The Child Test
We are parents too and have our own version of 'Roo' at home. We want Roo to enjoy their rugs without worrying about ruining it. That is why the rugs we carry have to be practical. We partner with brands that use only high quality materials that can withstand abuse and messes. Washability and ease of cleaning is one of the key factors we look for.
In our store, you will find 'care instructions' listed for each rug we sell. That way, you can decide for yourself how "washable" you need your rug to be to match your version of Roo at home.
Step 2: The Health Test
The choice of rug you buy really depends on a number of factors - which room is the rug for? who are the members in your household? what is your lifestyle? what is your budget? While everyone knows that a GOTS certified rug is the healthiest choice out there, not everyone has the budget and would be an overkill if its a rug going in the mud room. That is why we believe transparency is key.
We work with experts to determine whether or not a material or ingredient is safe for our health and our environment. From there, we strive to be transparent with the materials used in the making of each rug down to its fibres, dyes and glues so that you can make an informed decision.
Step 3: The Ethical Test
We care about you and your family. We also care about the families who make our rugs and the environments from where our materials are extracted from. That is why we created the ethical test.
Many of our partners are GoodWeave certified, which provides assurance that no child labour, bonded labour or forced labour is involved in the making of the rugs. Some of our partners also have programs that train women to become artisans so that they can support their families, and provide their children with proper education.
Farming cotton is often very harmful to the health of the farmers due to the heavy pesticides used in the crop fields. The same goes for wool where sheeps are often sprayed with insecticides. We strive to seek out brands that use organic cotton and organic wool in their production process. Not only is it healthier for us but it is also healthier for our farmers and sheeps.
