What do we do?

Not-for-profit “No Floor No More” was started to support tenants and reduce waste.

When council/ social housing tenants move into a property existing flooring tended to be removed, irrespective of its condition. This is was matter of policy and meant many families lived like that for some time due to the cost and logistics of getting flooring.

Pia strongly felt flooring should not be a luxury and started this circular economy initiative. NFNM rescues flooring from filmsets, festivals, events, exhibitions and end of line from carpet shops & fitters, samples and pre owned from individuals. Materials are saved from going to landfill or incineration and re-used in homes. Prices are affordable, 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/ social housing 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.

Why does your project matter? 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 is not suitable. Some families have put down cardboard boxes to try and keep the heat in and keep their children as safe as possible.

What impact have you made? 

We have grown a lot and in the last two years 1600 people have found their way to us! We now also stock some household goods, white goods and items that help those that start with very little.

What makes your 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.!

What are your motivations for doing this project?

Following building works Pia 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.

When did you start working on your project?

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.

 What milestones have you achieved already? 

To date NFNM has helped over 1600 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 heartwarming 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!

What will the money raised be spent on? As a Community Interest Company we are a not-for-profit, serving the community. We are self-funding and are in need of premises where the public can visit to browse and purchase. Ideally it needs to have a roof (at the moment we just have containers) and space on the spot to lay out flooring and cut it to size off a roll so there is a minimum of carrying heavy rolls of material around.

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