Floor Talk!

Have you wondered how you can make a difference on the planet with your home decorating? Did you know you could do such a thing? Even though it’s the “in” thing to do, here are some green flooring options that are not only responsible, but also smart and stylish.

First let’s get the technical part out of the way. According to the product standards for GreenSpec defined by Building Green, Inc. for a product to be green it must be:

1. Made with salvaged, recycled or agricultural waste content
2. Conserve natural resources
3. Avoid toxic or other emissions
4. Save energy or water
5. Contribute to a safe, healthy building environment

There are other standards to measure how green a product is, but for this purpose we won’t dive too far into that.

What product is right for you? Bamboo, the most popular when green flooring comes to mind, is ecologically superior because it does not cause erosion. All parts of bamboo can be used either through consumption or building material. It is 50% harder than oak and 17% harder than maple and gives off 8 times the oxygen of any other plant. One company that shines in this area is Mill Valley Bamboo. This company sets itself apart by harvesting its bamboo after 5 years for greater stability and elimination of buckling. Bamboo is also a good choice because you don’t have to worry about expansion or contraction, it does not warp, termites are not interested in it and it is mold resistant. (It also looks great in a large urn or vase as an arrangement!)

Horizontal Carbonized

Horizontal Natural

Vertical Natural

Vertical Carbonized

Equally popular is cork flooring. Made from the waste produced during the manufacturing of wine stoppers, there are many design options with this floor choice. I recently came across a unique product by Habitus. These cork tiles are pre-finished with an eco floor finish that is water based and contains no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). Because their cork comes from inside the bark of a Mediterranean Oak tree, no trees are cut down and removing the cork actually helps the tree to grow. All of this plus cork is already naturally soft, warm, anti-bacterial, anti staining, insulating, sound absorbing and easy to maintain!

Moving on, if you like the features and look of ceramic tile, you have green options here, too. Crossville, Inc has the first porcelain tile with certified recycled content. (40% recycled ceramic content to be exact) while still maintaining the ever popular look of stone.

Eco Cycle color Pine Barren
(other colors available)

Other options include Fireclay Tile’s product Debris Series tile. Made with post-industrial and post consumer recycled material, this product will add beauty to your home while being kind to environment. It also serves as a conversation piece. These tiles are handmade and feature a terracotta body that is made from 25% recycled granite dust, 19% broken window panes and 8.5% recycled brown and green glass bottles. I’ll bet your friends can’t say that about their floors!

Now, if you are going to see this green flooring purchase through, be sure to ask your flooring retailer or installer to use green friendly underlayments and adhesives. If you are replacing your old flooring with new green floors, be sure to consider recycling or donating your old floors.

Companies like Shaw Industries are showing that “environmental responsibility and fashionable design are not mutually exclusive” with their Anso Nylon carpets featuring bold designs and patterns that are all the rage in interiors.

By recycling, Shaw expects to keep as much as 300 million pounds of carpet waste out of landfills annually. Check their website to see if they have a collection network in your area.

Since Bamboo is technically a grass, we can’t leave out hardwood flooring as a separate category. Eco Timber has been the leading supplier of high quality wood products from environmentally sound sources since 1992. They offer a wide range of flooring styles from

classic to handscraped.

Just like a good outfit needs the right jewelry, every floor could use an area rug. If you can use the excuse that you are helping the planet by accenting your new floors using an environmentally friendly area rug, why not!?! Merida won a spot on Domino Magazine’s 2007 Green List for earth friendly rugs. They have a variety of natural fibers like sisal and even paper. (pictured below is one of their paper rugs) Even though the paper rugs are made of real paper, they are surprisingly quite durable.

These are just a few examples of smart and stylish green floors. Next time you’re out, be sure to visit your local flooring retailer and ask about other environmentally responsible choices. Don’t be afraid to ask about the latest colors and styles! The number of design options grows everyday. There’s no harm in trying to balance function, fashion and the environment. Take pride in whatever choices you make in your next flooring project that reflects your commitment to the environment.

Lastly, ask about the proper way to clean and maintain your new green floor and which cleaning products are eco friendly.

I would love to hear about your projects and if you are considering purchasing a green floor. Feel free to send pictures, tell us about your shopping experience, what product you selected and how much better you feel for making a responsible choice! Call your best friend to share the news that you have the skinny on a few stylish green products and carpool to your favorite retailer. If you need help finding your local flooring store click here.