Jute vs. Seagrass Rugs

What Is Seagrass?

• Seagrasses evolved from terrestrial plants, which adapted to live submerged in water. They are often confused with algaes but are different. Algaes are relatively simple and unspecialized in structure and lack true roots. Seagrasses have true roots, leaves, flowers, seeds and conducting tissues and produce their own food through photosynthesis. Because they are supported by water -- and do not need to fight gravity to stand upright -- they lack the rigid stems and trunks of terrestrial plants. This leaves them flexible in waves and currents -- and good for weaving and drying into mats or rugs.

What is Jute?

• Jute comes from one of two Indian Corchorus plants, which belong to the hibiscus family. Corchorus capsularis -- or white jute -- is one, and Corchorus olitorius includes the tossa and daisee varieties. Jute fiber comes from the inner tissue of the stem's bark and is usually used to pack agricultural and industrial goods. It is a bulky, strong fabric that resists stretching -- making for a stable, durable mat.

Characteristics

• Jute is typically used in carpeting to provide an alternative warp for knotted rugs. To weave into a mat, it is usually combined with a softer material, like wool or hemp. Jute is insulative, naturally helps regulate environmental humidity, non-static and absorbs 10 times the sound as synthetic carpeting. Seagrasses are customarily woven, on their own, into flat patterns, like basket weave or herringbone -- possibly similar to prehistoric floor coverings. Seagrasses are non-absorbent, easy to clean, hypoallergenic and resistant to stains, dust and dirt.

Environmental Implications

• Jute is primarily grown in India and Pakistan. It can be grown in vast quantities, used for a variety of purposes, is renewable and is 100 percent recyclable. Similarly, seagrass is an excellent environmentally conscious choice. One acre of seagrass can produce more than 10 tons of leaves annually, producing habitat, food and nursery areas for a variety of species. For instance, 1 acre of seagrass can support 40,000 fish and 50 million small invertebrates.