Your donation will release extra funding
We keep perfectly good items away from landfill/furnace and redirect, helping low income families improving mental health, safety and warmth
by Pia Honey in St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Our current business is run from storage, there is no undercover space. Carpet is pulled out of the container, which is difficult as they are very full, and then flooring is viewed and cut in the open air. Purchasing can therefore be weather-dependent. This venue is not easily accessible by public transport and many of our clients do not have a car. An indoor space with better transport links would enable easier access and a more customer-friendly experience. It would also enable the public to benefit from the additional products we currently store off-site.
What exactly are we trying to do?
“No Floor No More” helps people achieve a carpeted home at very affordable prices by recycling carpet and vinyl from companies and events.
How do we do it?
We are a not-for-profit and rescue flooring from TV and filmsets, festivals, end of line from carpet shops and individuals. The recycled materials, saved from landfill/ incineration, are offered at affordable prices with a lower rate for those on benefits. This has revolutionised access to flooring for low-income households and those wishing to make sustainable lifestyle choices.
Why do we do this?
Because thousands of households are living with bare floor boards or concrete.
When a council property is re-issued it tends to be stripped bare, no matter the condition of the existing flooring.
The cost of furniture, white goods and increased cost of living means tenants are often unable to fund new flooring.
Flooring should not be a luxury! No Floor No More combines sustainability with community action. Living in a house without flooring isn’t homely and can affect people’s health. Children crawling or playing on a concrete living room floor isn’t great. Some families have put down cardboard boxes to try and keep the heat in and keep their children as safe as possible.
We want continue helping people to make their house a home. We have grown a lot, stock and storage has increased and in the last two years 1200 people have found their way to us.
What makes our project unique? The company is ‘ filling the void’ of a massive problem and supports the right to adequate living Standard (article 25 -Universal Declaration of Human Rights). It has revolutionised access to flooring for low-income households and council tenants in the area. NFNM offers the recycled materials at two affordable prices, with a lower rate for those receiving income support. A furnished house plays a vital role in (mental) health and well-being.!
How did it all start?
Following building works Pia (a beautician by trade!) gave away her old laminate. Many people were interested as council houses tend to be issued to new tenants with bare floors. Pia found out families often stayed without flooring, in excess of a year after moving in, because they couldn’t afford the cost.
That is why Pia started a petition advocating for a reduction in waste (and cost) for Local Authorities which simultaneously improves access to flooring for council house tenants “Keep or Clear. Allow new tenants to choose bare floors or previous flooring- Reduce waste”. https://chng.it/FW7MZt99FQ
Pia founded Community Interest Company “No Floor No More” in 2022. It has become a regular recycling point for flooring used for a short time, at events and in the TV/ film/entertainment industry.
Materials are saved from going to landfill and re-used in homes. This benefits people who would otherwise struggle to afford flooring and those wishing to make more sustainable lifestyle choices.
What milestones have you achieved already? To date NFNM has helped over 1200 families. “Before and after” photographs can be seen on https://www.nofloornomore.org/. Members of the Facebook group “St Albans Carpets & Flooring Reuse” post before and after photographs are heart-warming to see and help to show other members to see how great a room can look for little cost.
Pia's work has also been recognised with several awards!
Green credentials
No Floor No More is a prime example of a circular economy initiative; improving homes while recycling. The company combines an outstanding contribution to the community and the environment. The wins are;
1. increasing access to flooring for those who otherwise might struggle to afford it, especially those on benefits or a low income or those just opting for a more sustainable lifestyle choice.
2. Environmental benefit as businesses (and individuals) use NFNM as a recycling point and improve their sustainability.
3. Unwanted flooring is reused instead of going to landfill/incineration.
4. Heat retention in homes is improved following the fitting of carpet and lino.
5.People report better mental health, increased family well-being and connections in the community making properties homes.
“End this madness”
In an ideal world, councils and housing associations would assess each property before removing perfectly usable flooring. This would lessen the burden of landfill and stress on families. Help us to end this madness by signing the petition here
“Keep or Clear. Allow new tenants to choose bare floors or previous flooring- Reduce waste”. https://chng.it/FW7MZt99FQ
How can you help?
As an individual, any donations would be well received. You’d be helping the Hertfordshire community with sustainability, circular economy, environment and supporting vulnerable families.
As a business, if you are in a position to donate any amount it would be hugely appreciated, happy to shout out about this on social media
If we’ve helped you with your commercial waste costs and sustainability figures, would be great if you could help us. Most businesses can offset charitable donations against tax.
💚♻️🌎 ✅
What will the money raised be spent on? As a Community Interest Company the aim is to serve the community rather than making a profit. We are self-funding and have not yet received any grants. Your donation will cover collection of carpet from recycling points. Also petrol for site visits, rental for three containers and storage, many telephone calls and accountant costs now the company has CIC status. Thank you!
Find out more about our CIC: https://www.nofloornomore.org
Also see the option to hit the buttons to buy specific products like this one:
Kaleidoscope 20 Multi-colour mix and match floor tiles 50p each £10