Ethical Flooring - Going Green

Ethical flooring choices are on many home owners minds this year. With the release of 'An Inconvenient Truth' - Al Gore's documentary about the effects of global warming, comes the realization that we all need to think 'green'.

Choosing the right flooring for your home or office is a major decision - one that you will probably live with for a long time. Choose wisely and 'build green' whenever you can. It's a great way to show that you care about our earth and its future.

There are many flooring options that will help to conserve energy, preserve our forests and other resources while avoiding excessive costs or future problems.

Homeowners are fast realizing the dangers of using products for the home that can be detrimental to the environment and to the residents who live there. Architects, builders and decorators are now recognizing and suggesting flooring products that protect the environment and the people who live and work in the buildings.

Recommended Flooring Manufacturers: Bellefloor Hardwood Flooring acknowledges its responsibility towards the environment. As a corporate policy, the company ensures that every square inch of wood is used sparingly. No piece of wood goes to waste, thereby helping conserve forests and providing full value to the customers. Bellefloor’s manufacturing processes are also environment-friendly and toxin-free. Bruce Hardwood Floors As one of the biggest wood flooring brands, Bruce takes pride in its efforts to help sustain the environment. This includes annual re-planting programs and complying with environmental regulations.

Make the Right Choice -

Recycle
A new trend sweeping the country is to replace existing carpet with environmentally friendly flooring such as reclaimed wood, linoleum, cork or bamboo. These types of flooring are not only helpful to the environment, but are also coveted for their exquisite beauty, texture and form.

The reuse of wood found in old buildings such as barns, hotels or railroad cars is an emerging trend across the country. While the obvious character and patina of these woods are lovely and desirable, the cost can be somewhat prohibitive at around $30 per square foot.

Choose Wisely
Newer products, such as cork and bamboo are excellent choices for use in buildings that use energy savers such as radiant heat. Bamboo floors are a hardwood product that is created by using the harvested stalk of the bamboo plant. Cork floors are made from the harvested bark of the cork tree.

Be sure to inquire as to which manufacturers are implementing 'green' practices. Many hardwood flooring products from China contain formaldehyde - an extremely toxic substance.

Linoleum flooring is made from renewable substances of the earth or recycled remnants. Even though linoleum itself cannot be recycled because of the glue used to install it, the long life gained from using linoleum has made it a popular choice for homes, offices and schools.