10 Tips to Help you Choose Eco-friendly Flooring
When shopping for new flooring, you’re probably thinking about how it looks, how it feels underfoot, how long it will last and, of course, the price. But if you also hope to make a better choice for both your home and the planet, here are five dos and don’ts to follow.
Dos
1. Verify third-party certifications. Look for trusted labels like Green Label Plus, FloorScore or Declare to ensure the product meets verified environmental and health standards.
2. Ask about recycled content. Choose flooring made with post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials, especially in carpet and laminate, to reduce waste and resource use.
3. Consider the product’s full life cycle. Think beyond installation. Choose flooring that’s durable, low maintenance and recyclable at the end of its life.
4. Prioritize low volatile organic compound (VOC) or no VOC options. These products help maintain healthy indoor air quality, especially important in homes with kids, pets or allergy concerns.
5. Explore local or rapidly renewable materials like reclaimed wood or local wood waste that can be both stylish and sustainable.
Don’ts
1. Don’t rely on vague eco-friendly claims. Without certifications or transparency, terms like ‘green’ or ‘natural’ can be greenwashing. Ask for specifics.
2. Don’t overlook the impact of adhesives and finishes. Some glues and sealants contain harmful chemicals. Choosing low-emission installation materials as well as products ensures better indoor air quality.
3. Don’t assume all wood or bamboo is sustainable. Fast-growing doesn’t always mean eco-friendly. Check for responsible harvesting practices and certifications. Prioritize domestic wood sources.
4. Don’t ignore the transportation footprint. Flooring shipped from across the globe can carry a high carbon footprint. Local options are often more sustainable due to less transportation and more responsible manufacturing practices.
5. Don’t forget about end-of-life disposal. Ask if flooring can be recycled, repurposed or safely disposed of.
Malisa Maynard is the chief sustainability officer at Mohawk Industries, the largest flooring manufacturer in the world.
Clare Tattersall and www.realtorontowest.com disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this article and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this article. The opinions of the writer are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Clare Tattersall or www.realtorontowest.com.
