Sustainable flooring can be a great option for your home, but before you make a final decision, you should evaluate if you really need new flooring in the first place. Generally, the Greenest approach to flooring is to use what you already have. Removing and throwing away old flooring creates more landfill waste, and the manufacturing process of new flooring creates greenhouse gasses. Find out if your flooring can be renewed with a deep cleaning, sanding or polishing. If not, see if the wood flooring underneath can be sanded and polished.
If you decide to purchase Green flooring, be sure to choose a product that best fits your lifestyle and budget. Here are the most common types of sustainable flooring:
Concrete
Concrete can be stained, patterned and colored to create a unique, custom look. It’s durable, easy to clean and can be easily integrated into homes with radiant heating systems.
Stone
Stone flooring is processed less than other types of flooring, but some types of stone are quarried in other countries and shipped to retailers, which can increase their carbon footprints. Stone floors will last for generations if properly cared for, so they may be a Greener option over time.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is usually a mix of concrete and marble, stone or glass, but it can also be made out of recycled products. It’s one of the more expensive flooring options, but it’s resilient and stands up to years of use.
Tile
Tile flooring is nontoxic and easy to clean. Individual tiles can easily be replaced if they become cracked or chipped, which mean a tile floor can look better and last longer than other types of flooring.
Linoleum
Linoleum flooring is made from boiled linseed oil (made from flax seeds), powdered cork, sawdust and pine resin. It’s easy to clean, biodegradable and durable.
Cork
Cork is a renewable resource that comes from the outer bark of cork oak trees. These floors often come in tiles or planks, which can be removed and replaced if damaged.
Wood
Some wood comes from non-renewable sources, so use caution when choosing wood flooring. Ideally, you want wood that comes from reclaimed sources or sources that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). You’ll also want to guarantee that any finishes or adhesives used on your flooring are low-VOC and nontoxic.
Bamboo
This quickly growing grass looks and wears like wood. Bamboo can be harvested in four to six years, unlike wood flooring that comes from trees that can take decades to mature.
When shopping for Green flooring, ask the salesperson the following questions to narrow down your choices:
• Is the flooring made from renewable resources? Where did the materials come from?
• Was the flooring transported a long distance before it reached the showroom?
• Were potentially harmful chemicals, additives, finishes or glues used in the manufacturing process?
• Will the installation require additional subflooring?
• Can I install the new flooring over my previous flooring? (This is sometimes possible and will cut down on landfill waste and installation costs.)
• How durable is the flooring? (Longer-lasting flooring can be less costly and better for the environment in the long run.)
• What’s the manufacturer-recommended maintenance and cleaning schedule?
• Can the flooring be cleaned using nontoxic and biodegradable cleansers? (Keep in mind that even the most stain-resistant carpeting will still wear and need to be replaced. “Carpet is a fabric,” says Paul Byer, President of First Choice Abbey Carpet in Danville. “There are treatments and innovations that have improved stain resistance and cleanability, but it’s still a fabric, and fabrics get dirty and eventually wear out.”)
