Eco-Flooring
If you need to replace your carpets or floors, choose materials that are safe for your health and the planet.
EPA studies have shown that indoor pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than they are outside. To find the source of many of these pollutants, just glance down. Installation of new carpet and flooring can fill the air with hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including known and suspected carcinogens like formaldehyde and benzene. It can take years for these substances to dissipate. In addition, carpets are often treated with toxic chemicals for mothproofing or to repel soil and moisture. Carpeting is also notorious for trapping toxic lawn chemicals, VOCs, and allergens tracked in from outside.
There are several sustainable flooring options that can minimize indoor pollution and mitigate health problems caused by toxic carpets. You can now choose from a rapidly growing line of carpets and flooring made from recycled and eco-friendly materials. Durable, stylish, and often less expensive than conventional floors and carpets, these sustainable options provide a responsible and healthy way to enhance your home.
Bamboo flooring is by far one of the most eco-friendly choices out there for wood floor enthusiasts. Bamboo is a renewable resource and it comes in very natural colors and can even come in a darker, caramel color.
Reclaimed wood flooring is an inexpensive alternative to buying new. Unfortunately, chances are the flooring will need to be refinished. It can be a challenge to finding the right eco-friendly floor stains. However, reclaimed woods will generally run just a little cheaper than buying new - so you can afford to upgrade the quality of wood.
Recycled tiles will vary from place to place, but fortunately they also have been widely manufactured in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Using recycled tiles in your bathroom, kitchen, entranceway or more will help increase the value and durability of your home's floors.
Cork is perhaps one of the less attractive options - simply because of its name. However, cork is a durable product and can be made into a variety of colors. Cork requires no glue or nails and can simply be laid out over the existing floors. Cork flooring can also be manipulated to simulate hardwood floors!