It’s Easy Being Green
by Rebecca Cole

They say it’s not easy being green. But when it comes to floor coverings, that old adage couldn’t be farther from the truth. But what exactly are green floor coverings and how do you as a consumer make an environmentally sound decision about them?

Here’s some detailed information on each of these categories:

CORK

To create cork floors, only the bark is extracted from the tree, meaning that the tree is left completely intact. In time, the tree will grow a new layer of bark that can be harvested again, usually in 8-10 years. Cork floors offer great insulation qualities they absorb sound unlike harder surfaces and come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

BAMBOO

Bamboo flooring has been on the scene for a number of years, but recent advancements present the product in finer detail and darker shades. Unlike hardwood, bamboo does not come from tress. Bamboo is a fast growing grass. It can grow from sprouts to harvesting in three to five years, thus an acre of bamboo can provide more flooring than an acre of trees. When bamboo shoots are cut the roots remain intact and fresh new sprouts grow in their place. The dense root mass of bamboo helps prevent soil erosion and provides a viable crop opportunity in hilly acres where other crops cannot grow.

LINOLEUM

Linoleum flooring, which has been enormously popular for well over a century, is manufactured from renewable resources, such as linseed oil, resin, wood flour, flax, cork powder and pigments. Its durability — up to 40 years as flooring — makes it very suitable for high traffic areas. Linoleum is also naturally biodegradable, and, because it is naturally anti-bacterial, there are no chemical agents needed in its manufacture or maintenance. It comes in tile or sheet form and is available in almost every shade on the color wheel, which also lends to its popularity. Linoleum is also available in a rug form too. The rugs, which consist of intricately carved designs, can be put on top of or integrated into other floors.

SUSTAINABLE FLOORING PRODUCTS

Almost every category of floor covering — from wood to vinyl — is available as a sustainable product.

• CARPET

  Sustainable carpets must use post-consumer and industrial materials, biodegradable dyes and solutions and recycled wastewater.

• HARDWOOD

  In the hardwood category, sustainable floors are made from recycled wood and/or antique woods that offer a timeless, weathered look. Sustainable wood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and comes from managed forests so impact on the environment is lessened.

• CERAMIC

  Ceramic floors are primarily made from natural and renewable resources and are exceptionally durable.

• STONE

  Stone floors offer low extraction impact on the planet and are exceptionally long lasting.

• RESILIENT

  Resilient floors are available chlorine-free and are typically made from recycled vinyls and plastics. In this form, it is a highly durable product with a long life cycle.

• RUBBER

  Rubber floors, a popular trend lately, can be made from recycled tires and other materials and typically have less negative impact on the environment than non-synthetic rubber products.

• VINYL

  VCT vinyl tile, made primarily of limestone, is long lasting and offers a high performance rating.

Green and sustainable products are produced around the world, including a number of developing nations, like China, Mexico, India and throughout South America. The purchase of these products is not only good for the planet, but helps support the people of these nations.

“So as you can see, it’s easy being green. There is something for everyone in this ever-expanding, environmentally conscious and fashion forward category,” said Cole. “No matter what your needs, the WFCA is committed to providing you with the information, service and support to make informed choices and feel confident about your floor covering decisions.”