Environmental Floor Coverings

Floor coverings other than carpet make good environmental choices, and perhaps the best environmental choice is to use carpet only where necessary. The following carpet alternatives could be considered:

Natural linoleum is made from softwood powder, linseed oil, pine tree resins, cork, chalk, and jute backing. Natural linoleum uses renewable resources and offers durability without compromising aesthetics. The cork used in linoleum is harvested from the cork tree on an ongoing basis without harming the tree. Linoleum products include Marmoleum by Forbo Industries, Marmorette by Armstrong, and Linosom by Domco. Natural linoleum costs more than low-cost vinyl flooring, but durability and low-maintenance makes life-cycle costs lower.
Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable flooring material with sustainable forest management practices.

Natural carpets are made from grasses, cotton, and wool, with minimal treatment. Wool carpet is made from a renewable resource and is durable and biodegradable. Natural carpet materials cost more than common carpet materials, but are competitively prices with standard high quality carpeting.

Recycled-content tile is made from waste glass such as light bulbs and auto windshields, and a byproduct of feldspar mining. Recycled-content glass tile often costs more than average tile products.

Ceramic tile offers outstanding durability and maintainability, with a high aesthetic value.
Resilient flooring such as Eco-Surfaces by Dodge-Regupol (100% recycled rubber) and Stratica by the Amtico Company (non-vinyl, VOC-free, chlorine-free flooring), are available.
Wood salvaged from existing buildings or from a forest certified as sustainably harvested are excellent environmental options. EcoTimber manufactures wood flooring from reclaimed, certified wood and other wood alternatives.

Concrete also offers a durable environmental alternative by using fewer resources when a concrete slab is made into a finished floor by adding color, texture, and patterns to the top layer of concrete with no additional covering.