Down East Doormats are brightly colored, durable and bring a little bit of summer to every doorstep. They actually float as well! These door mats are produced by the Maine Float-Rope Company from floating ropes that are turned in by lobstermen due to changing regulations.
Lobstermen formerly used floating rope between lobster pots but it has been found that floating rope can cause North Atlantic Right Whales (a critically endangered species) to become entangled in the lobster gear when they surface during feeding. New regulations require sinking rope and all of that old rope would otherwise end up in landfills.
These mats are a great addition to any home and will last for years to come as they are advertised as indestructable. It is rare to get the opportunity to buy a locally-made, upcycled product from a company that donates a portion of its proceeds to protect its local environment.
Enjoy!
This Product is a wonderful idea. These doormats were actually created by a company called Custom Cordage in Waldoboro, Maine. The Maine Float Rope Company is a former customer of theirs that took their idea and ran with it. The Maine Float Rope Company does not give back to non profits, everyone they have ever listed has been contacted and verified that not a cent has ever been received. Custom Cordage does make these doormats still and gives mats to local raffles as well as provides substantial money to the organization that started the rope buy back. http://www.customcordage.com for the ORIGINAL recycled rope doormat.