What are some 'green' flooring options?

Question

Plus any additional 'greenovating' ideas, or websites would be great.

Answer 1

Hardwood Flooring

They replace carpeting since carpets are the source of pollution for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are asthma inducing pollutants. They also trap allergens like dust mites that can make it hard to breathe. When choosing wood flooring, make sure to use FSC-certified wood, meaning that the company you are purchasing from has signed on with the Forest Stewardship Council to use wood from sustainable forestry practices.

PET Carpeting

Mohawk sells beautiful EverStrand Carpetingthat are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic that is used to make soda pop bottles. These carpets are also considered ecologically sound because the dyeing process is less polluting that with other carpet manufacturers. PET carpeting is durable due to the ingredients, has very little static electricity. However, because PET carpeting do not absorb moisture, it makes the carpet more stain-resistant.

Bamboo

Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on the planet, therefore making it the ideal choice for flooring alternatives.

Cork

Cork is an alternative that is being considered to add a little softness to the room. Cork can be harvested without damaging the tree, therefore being a greener alternative to flooring.

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is takem from lake floors, riverbeds and old barns. It is sustainable flooring as it saves thousands of trees from being cut down. However, when looking into vintage flooring, check that the vintage flooring is actually from reclaimed wood, and not new wood that has been remodelled to look vintage.

You could also purchase rescued wood flooring that was used from trees that have already been cut down due to storm damage, disease, safety concerns and construction projects.

Marmoleum

This is the alternative name to natural linoleum.

Add cushioning by invisting in vegetable-dyed organic hemp rugs or "Under the Nile" recycled mats and rugs from Under The Nile, which are made from soft, pure 100% organic Egyptian cotton fabric scraps from leftover baby clothing.

Answer 2

Prefinished bamboo flooring is considered green because bamboo grows in 5-6 years compared to decades for wood.  It is installed and looks like traditional hardwood flooring.  Prefinished is greener than finished in place because the finish is applied under controlled conditions with less waste and better containment of the fumes.  

You can get carpet that is made with recycled fibers but I don't know any manufacturers by name.  Check with your local building supply store.

Answer 3

Here are a few examples and a source for some flooring options.

Answer 4

Cement, bamboo, recycled carpet, carpet squares, reclaimed wood.

If you have direct tv they have a whole channel that has great green renovation shows. You can also go to www.planetgreen.com to get information about the shows, greenovate and total wrecklamation are full of energy efficient tips and sustainable products for remodels.

www.treehugger.com is also a great resource.