When most people think of sustainable homes, they think of bamboo floors and low-energy appliances, but there are a LOT of options when it comes to building a green home. In fact, did you know eco-friendly carpeting is an option to consider?

What makes carpeting eco-friendly? Mother Nature Network does a good job of laying out factors to consider:

What is the carpet made from? Does it contain any toxic chemicals or volatile organic compounds? Was it responsibly manufactured? Is it recyclable?

The article goes on to explain that eco-friendly carpeting options include those made from natural, renewable materials that are biodegradable and whose production doesn’t include excessive fertilizer and pesticides, in addition to recycled carpets made from pre- and post-consumer plastics.

Additional advice from the article? Here are three tips from Mother Nature Network to keep in mind:

1. When buying eco-friendly carpet backing or pads, look for natural materials like non-synthetic latex, untreated wool or camel hair felt.
2. Carpet backings that are sewn on or glued using natural, non-toxic adhesives are healthier choices than those using adhesives that off-gas VOCs.
3. Choose responsible carpet companies...Look for green carpet certifications like Cradle to Cradle, The Sustainable Carpet Standard (NSF 140), CRI Green Label Plus, BRE Environmental Assessment and Good Environmental Choice (Australia).

San Jose Hardwood Floors carries many manufacturers with eco-friendly carpeting. Royalty Carpet Mills uses reclaimed water in their manufacturing, and returns the water used in the dyeing process for further industrial use so the reclaimed water can be used over and over again. All of their products also exceed the Green Label Plus specifications for low VOCs, and they work to recycle and reuse carpet consumers no longer want. You can read more about the various sustainable practices on their site.

Here are additional manufacturers we carry whose commitment to sustainability shines through their eco-friendly carpeting, too:

• Mohawk
• Shaw
• Fibreworks
• Masland
• Unique Carpets Ltd.
• Godfrey Hirst

Want help finding eco-friendly carpeting for your home? Give us a call – our experts are happy to help!

Photo courtesy of Royalty Carpet Mills