Eco-friendly flooring is no longer a fad; it has become a part of our lives. For way too long, humans have abused the planet’s resources, and now most industries are doing something to try to reverse the negative trend, including the flooring industry. Today, recycled carpet and recycled plastic carpet are gaining momentum as flooring choices.
For homeowners looking for eco-friendly flooring options, there are many choices available. Most individuals think of “going green” as being made from a natural, renewable resource, but there are many other factors to consider if you want an environmentally friendly floor. Some of the factors that affect a flooring material’s impact on the environment include the following:
- Does it come from a renewable resource?
- Can it be recycled?
- Is it of durable quality (i.e., how long is it expected to last?)
- Is it low maintenance?
- Did the product come from a manufacturer adhering to sound environmental practices?
- Did the product have to travel a long distance to be put into use?
Today, flooring manufacturers have a wide range of eco-friendly options for homeowners when it comes to flooring, and, best of all, neither functionality nor aesthetics have been sacrificed. If you are searching for an eco-friendly flooring option for your home or business, choosing recycled carpet could be the way to go. Below are a few options to consider.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring may be relatively new to North America, but it has been used for many decades in many parts of Asia and Europe. Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree that is commonly found in the forests that surround the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the way cork is harvested, the tree is left intact, and the bark will grow back in 3 to 4 years, making it a great renewable source.
Cork is also antimicrobial and ideal for people with allergies. It is also flame resistant, easy to clean, and easy to maintain. Cork, like hardwood, can be finished with a variety of stains and paints to suit any home color and decor. Because the product is durable, it is suitable for use in all parts of the home. If well looked after, cork flooring can last several decades.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo, like cork, is fast gaining traction in the North American market. It is probably one of the most eco-friendly resources and exceptionally hard. Bamboo is durable, easy to maintain and install, and can last a very long time.
Bamboo grows very rapidly and is a sustainable resource. Unlike wood, bamboo can grow back within 3-5 years. It is also naturally resistant to insects and moisture and can be installed almost anywhere in the home. The latest bamboo flooring is available in many styles, grains, and finishes. The one major advantage of bamboo over other flooring materials is that it will easily last more than five decades with minimum maintenance.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is one of the oldest flooring materials and has withstood the test of time. Linoleum flooring is very eco-friendly as it does not require synthetic materials for its manufacture. Linoleum is made from a combination of flaxseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, tree resins, ground limestone, and various natural pigments. While the first generation of linoleum may have looked tacky to some, the latest products have excellent aesthetics and can mimic hardwood, tiles, or even stone.
Linoleum has similar functionalities to cork; it is water and fire-resistant. Developments in technology have permitted the manufacture of linoleum with vibrant colors and a surface coating, which has led to renewed popularity. The surface coating can prevent staining, scratches, and dents. With good care, linoleum can easily last several decades.
Glass Tile Flooring
Glass tiles have been used to create wall partitions for many years, but now the same glass material is being used to make flooring. In fact, all around the globe, bridges made with glass flooring have been created and, thus far, have proven to be durable and aesthetically pleasing. The reason glass is eco-friendly is because most of it is made from recycled material.
Typically, all the glass material that is discarded in the garbage is usually recycled to make household utensils and even flooring. Glass flooring is durable, water-resistant, and very easy to clean. Glass flooring is available in an endless array of patterns, colors, and finishes, making it suitable for most bathrooms and kitchens. One of the key benefits of glass tiles is that they will brighten the room as they reflect light.
Concrete Flooring
Concrete is slowly regaining popularity chiefly because of the realization that it is a sustainable material. Polished and stained concrete comes in many styles and colors, which allow for endless design possibilities. Concrete is extremely durable, easy to clean, and almost never needs to be replaced. However, concrete does need to be well maintained and is porous, so it is not suitable for wet areas. The installation requires the use of a sealant to close any gaps along the edges.
Wool Carpet Flooring
For the most part, carpets are made of synthetic material. In fact, the process of manufacturing carpets requires all types of volatile chemicals. But this is not so for carpets made from natural fibers, like wool, cotton, jute, and sisal.
Carpets are probably the most popular flooring for most homes since they are comfortable to walk on, can muffle sound, come in many colors and styles, and can cushion falls. Recycled carpets are even better. The downside to carpets is that they can quickly become dirty, they are not stain-proof or water-resistant, and they require shampooing on a regular basis to maintain the aesthetics.
Berber Carpet Flooring
Innovations in the carpet industry have given rise to the Berber carpet, which is a sustainable, recycled plastic carpet, made from recycled plastic bottles. During the manufacture, there is almost no impact on the environment since the majority of plastic bottles and containers destined for landfills are now used to make Berber carpets. There are several benefits to Berber carpets other than the fact that they are a recycled carpet. They are durable, come in many pleasing styles, are spill-resistant, and are easy to maintain.
Unfortunately, Berber carpets also have a few negatives. The fibers can easily get snagged, which results in loosening and unraveling. If not quickly repaired, the carpet’s lifespan is reduced. In addition, unlike regular carpets, a Berber carpet does feel hard on the feet and is not comfortable to sit on. However, if you are looking for something economically sustainable and/or is a recycled plastic carpet with good aesthetics, you will not go wrong with Berber carpet.
Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring is widely used in commercial businesses. The majority of rubber flooring is made from recycled tires and can be found at airports, hospitals, gyms, garages, and sports arenas. However, rubber flooring is slowly finding its way into homes because it is versatile, durable, easy to clean, and extremely tough.
Rubber flooring is easy to walk on, muffles sound and is available in many patterns and color options. To prevent slips and falls, the surface is often textured or etched to increase friction. The two downsides to rubber include the cost and lack of a wide variety of styles. But if you want something that will last forever, you will never go wrong with rubber as it will not require replacement in your lifetime.
Stone Tile Flooring
Stone tiles have been used as outdoor and indoor flooring for many decades. Stone tiles are durable, have excellent aesthetics, and are easy to clean. Because of their durability, they can last many years. The downside to stone tiles is that they can feel hard and cold. If indoors, you may need to place a rug over areas where you walk or sit.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Flooring
Porcelain and ceramic tiles have been around for many decades and are very eco-friendly. Made from minerals and natural clay, they are available in many styles, patterns, and designs. They are also moisture-resistant, and the latest tiles come with a surface coating that makes them scratch and stain resistant. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are easy to clean and maintain and will easily last many decades without requiring replacement.
Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring
For homeowners who love hardwood but are worried about deforestation, rest easy because we now have reclaimed hardwood. Reclaimed hardwood utilizes wood from trees that were cut down many years ago and are now used to make excellent flooring.
The other option is to purchase FSC-certified labeled hardwood. This designation from the Forest Stewardship Council indicates that the wood has been obtained through responsible management and that the manufacturer adhered to environmental and social standards.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is made from plywood and a strip of hardwood with a veneer on top. The key advantage of engineered hardwood is that it is not only similar to hardwood in its looks but is also more stable; this ensures that it is less likely to warp or swell over time. Engineered hardwood is also more eco-friendly compared to solid hardwood because it uses recycled hardwood, and the quantity used is much less.
CONCLUSION
Thanks to technology, today, there are many types of eco-friendly flooring options, including recycled carpet, for homeowners that are not only affordable but have good aesthetics. While there are some differences between each of these eco-friendly flooring materials, the ultimate decision is a matter of personal preference. A recycled plastic carpet is very environmentally friendly. Speak to a professional from East Coast Flooring & Interiors to learn more about eco-friendly flooring options for your home. Call us today or stop by our showroom for more information.