January 7th, 2011 
Tushar Mathur Knowing what flooring options are truly “green” can be a bit difficult, as their eco-friendliness depends not just on the main material being used but also on the way in which the flooring product was manufactured, i.e. what chemical processes were used. The following five flooring options are among some of the most eco-friendly flooring alternatives available. To learn more about the manufacturing process and eco-friendliness of a particular flooring option you plan to use, consult with your local flooring company.
1. Bamboo
Bamboo flooring has become very popular in recent years, and it seems to be the leading green alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. The reasons for bamboo’s popularity are many. For one, bamboo makes for very beautiful floors, with its smooth texture and elegant color. Bamboo is also a very durable material, roughly 2.5 times more dimensionally stable than maple and harder than oak. Unlike hardwood trees, bamboo plants don’t have to be cut down to produce raw material. Because bamboo is actually a type of grass (the fastest growing type of grass in the world), its shoots can be harvested from the same plants every season without damaging the local ecosystem. .
2. Cork
Cork, like bamboo, is a harvested resource. Cork flooring is usually made out of recycled cork left over from wine stoppers. To keep cork harvests eco-friendly, the “9-year law” was passed in the 1930s. The law makes it illegal to harvest cork off trees that have already been harvested within the last 9 years. Additionally, a tree must be 60cm in circumference in order to be harvested for cork, and no younger than 25 years old. This process ensures that trees have plenty of time to recover their cork after a harvest. When it comes to flooring materials, cork is among the most renewable options.
3. Stone
If manufactured using eco-friendly practices, stone flooring can be a great “green” option for your home. Stone flooring offers environmental benefits in that it is easy to maintain and has a long lifecycle, which means you won’t have to waste as many resources in its up-keep or replacement. Stone is also a natural product that gives off no damaging toxins when discarded. Furthermore, stone can be easily recycled and reclaimed.
4. Low-VOC Carpets
In recent years, eco-friendly carpeting has become a more popular and reliable option. The Carpet and Rug Institute has sought to minimize the environmental impact of carpet flooring by promoting the “3 Rs” standard, which stands for reduce, reuse and recycle. Eco-friendly carpets have low VOC emissions, recyclable content, biodegradable carpet fibers and low toxic content. Look for the CRI’s Green Label and Green Label Plus logos to ensure you’re purchasing a certified eco-friendly carpet flooring product.
5. Linoleum
Linoleum has been a green flooring option for a long time. It might not be as attractive as, say, bamboo or stone flooring, but it is less expensive and made from naturally abundant materials. Linoleum flooring is made from linseed oil, wood flour, cork flour, resin and jute, and it is manufactured using eco-friendly pigments.
About the Author:
Erick D. Smith blogs about the environment and home improvement. To learn more about eco-friendly flooring options available to you, visit a local flooring provider that offers San Diego custom draperies in addition to a wide selection of “green” flooring products.
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