Today’s home and business owners want it all—flooring that looks and feels great, and that they feel good about. This is why sustainable, environmentally friendly floors are gaining popularity. You can get incredible style in products that are harvested, produced, used, and disposed of in ways that support a healthy environment. Below are some choices to consider for a smart, stylish interior that is respectful of the world beyond your walls.
Eco-Friendly Flooring Options
- EverStrand® Carpeting—Mohawk has created one of the most sustainable carpets ever, using up to 100 percent recycled material. It sounds crazy because the fibers are made from plastic water bottles, but it’s strong, durable, and stain-resistant, yet exceptionally soft and surprisingly affordable.
Eco-Bonus: When Malkin’s Flooring installs your new EverStrand carpeting, we also take the time and effort to recycle your old padding instead of dumping it in a landfill.
- Bamboo is a natural, sustainable product that wears better and longer than traditional hardwoods like oak. It looks a lot like wood planks, but bamboo is subtly distinctive and easier to care for. Best of all, bamboo is a type of grass that matures in as little as three to five years, making it a highly renewable resource and a smart flooring choice.
Eco-Bonus: Quality bamboo floors emit very few volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute indoor air. Most manufactured products and carpeting release VOCs as a gas—i.e. “new carpet smell”—that can be harmful to both you and the environment.
- Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made using 100 percent natural materials—like clay, feldspar, and quartz—and a zero-waste manufacturing process. This content can also be recycled to boost its environmental benefits.
Eco-Bonus: The composition and thermal properties of tile allow it to absorb and adapt to air temperature. In other words, tile retains heat produced by your furnace and coolness from your air conditioner, so you’ll have more consistent comfort while using less energy.
Flooring That Saves More Than Just the Planet
There’s more to being sustainable than just choosing green or natural materials. Think about maintenance of a floor, and opt for one that will save you time and money when it comes to cleaning with chemicals. Also know that location matters, because long-distance transportation has a big impact on the environment and the price you pay for flooring products. Finally, consider the manufacturer and choose a company that is committed to ecologically responsible practices. When it comes to making the world around you a better place, every little bit helps!
