As consumers are becoming more conscious of the environment and our role in its destruction, many have a serious interest in purchasing products that are more eco-friendly.
One of the areas we can make the biggest impact is in the home improvement arena; items such as conventional flooring and furniture are produced in ways that harm the environment on many levels; sustainable practices are also sorely lacking.
If you are interested in partaking in green remodeling efforts, a great place to start is flooring; here are some tips on choosing materials that allow you to be more eco-friendly without sacrificing quality or aesthetics.
Suggestions for Hardwood
If you really want to buy hardwood but are concerned about the negative impact conventional production has on the environment (which is extensive), you do have some eco-conscious options. Look for products that carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
This organization has a rigorous certification process that carefully examines the forest management techniques in terms of how well it practices sustainability, limiting air and water pollution and reducing harm to wildlife and the local population. Products coming from FSC-certified forests were produced in a responsible manner and you can feel good knowing you made a ‘’green’’ purchase.
You might also consider buying reclaimed wood, which was once part of structures that have been renovated or demolished. It is in good condition and has been thoroughly cleaned. This type of wood often has a lot of ‘’character’’ and may be a good choice if you are looking for a unique look for your hardwood flooring.
Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is an excellent eco-friendly choice; this highly sustainable grass can grow back to maturity in as little as three to six years; compare that to trees typically used for flooring purposes, which can be 20 years and often much longer. It is also highly durable and certain types, such as natural uncarbonized and woven strand can be just as hard or even harder than maple and oak.
It is also highly resistant to water damage, hypoallergenic and super-easy to clean. Certain bamboo products are produced with adhesives that can emit harmful substances into the air called volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—you want to inquire about this when shopping.
Cork
Cork flooring is another good choice; it is a soft wood that creates a very comfortable walking surface. Like bamboo, this material is highly sustainable; the cork can be harvested right from the outer bark of the tree, meaning it does not even need to be cut down. It takes only nine years to grow back fully. It can stand up well to furniture and markings but is vulnerable to puncture by sharp objects.
Cork naturally contains a substance called suberin, which provides natural resistance to mold, insects and rotting. It also absorbs sound well and provides insulation.
Carpet Considerations
If you are more of a carpet person, you also have a lot of options in the eco-friendly department. Conventional carpet is problematic for a numerous reasons; materials are frequently made of petroleum by-products and adhesives and other materials used in the manufacturing process can be harmful to the health of the environment and you personally.
Look for carpets made with natural materials such as wool, sea grass, sisals and jutes. You also want to make sure the carpet is made with natural fiber backing and either has been made with limited use of toxic adhesives or substances such as natural latex. Opt for carpets that do not require padding or choose padding made from recycled materials.
When it comes to installation, look for water-based adhesives with low amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or consider tacking.