Flooring and Floor Covering Information
Approximately 70% of floor covering in the United States is carpet, mostly made from nylon, which is a familiar term that masks its ultimate source: petroleum oil (one of our most endangered resources). Synthetic carpet is high in volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing, provides a safe haven for many allergens, and, as many long-term homeowners know, wears with very little grace. Once ripped up and disposed of, nylon carpet is fated for a non-biodegradable repose in a landfill. Other popular floors have similar issues, such as the petroleum-based vinyl flooring. There are now many alternatives to conventional flooring. Of these, locally reclaimed wood has the least impact on the environment; wool for carpets, bamboo and cork can be sustainably grown and harvested, but must currently be imported from overseas. Recycled plastic-based carpet keeps plastic out of landfills and some manufacturers will recycle it when it becomes worn.
In addition to choices in material, it is also important to choose the most environmentally friendly and non-toxic finishes for your floors. Look for water based finishes which have a low VOC because they use water in place of solvents to carry the urethane molecules. These flooring finishes are durable and offer an eco-friendly and healthy solution for your home. The only drawback to these products is cost at roughly $90 per gallon. However, you get what you paid for because water-based urethanes offer great performance, easy application/cleanup, fast dry times, and can be nearly odorless.
