5 Flooring Options That Are Totally Green

If you want to go green in your home, you’re probably worried about two types of health: your family’s and the planet’s.

Unfortunately, going green can mean going down a rabbit hole — or opening a can of worms.

You have to consider the materials you choose carefully. Are they made sustainably? Are they stable? Some materials can “outgas” once in the home, which means they emit harmful chemicals, called VOCs, into the environment.

When it comes to flooring, these aspects are a concern. Materials such as particleboard, plywood, carpet pads, and synthetic carpeting can all outgas VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This includes formaldehyde, which is a known cancer-causing agent.

Don’t be alarmed, though. You can purchase eco-friendly, green flooring options that are safe for you and Mother Nature.

5 Green Flooring Choices That Look Good, Too

It turns out you can have green flooring that’s responsibly sourced and manufactured. It can look good, too.

1. Bamboo

Bamboo is a hero in the sustainable material world. It grows back quickly when cut at the stem, which keeps the plant alive. It also grows back far faster than any tree. Just make sure the bamboo you buy comes from a manufacturer with responsible practices – i.e. no old-growth forests were cut down to plant bamboo groves.

2. Sustainably-Sourced Hardwood

Hardwood is a beautiful and popular choice for flooring. However, if you’re concerned about the decimation of the world’s forests, there are sustainable choices. Make sure you purchase from a supplier who sources wood that’s FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. This wood comes from forests that are self-sustaining, which means trees that are growing and trees that are removed are in balance.

3. Linoleum

Most people think of linoleum as a dated material, but it has come a long way. You can buy stylish colors and designs, and the material itself is biodegradable, safe, and organic. It was not a product of the ‘50s or ‘60s, either – it was invented in the late 1800s. It can look classic with the right design.

4. Cork

Cork is a renewable source that uses the bark from living trees. Peeling the bark doesn’t harm the tree, so it keeps growing. Cork flooring is sustainable, but it’s also a great insulator for sound and heat. It’s a comfortable surface to walk on, and resists scratches and cracking. It’s impermeable to liquid, and contains a naturally occurring substance that inhibits mold and rotting. And best of all it’s recyclable, too!

5. Recycled Flooring

Lots of recycled flooring options are out there. This prevents material waste and keeps them out of landfills. For instance, you can get recycled hardwood floors made from recycled cork stoppers, and even recycled metal tiles.

Green Flooring Options Are Smart and Safe

If you’re worried about your family’s health as well as the planet’s, you can use green materials in your home. Eco-friendly, sustainable flooring options will not release VOCs, and they use the earth’s limited resources wisely.