Green Carpeting

• Traditional carpets are often coated with chemicals that provide stain and bug resistance. These chemicals can take years, sometimes decades, to break down. The carpets also provide an area for hazardous lawn chemicals and allergens to get trapped. As an alternative, homeowners can seek out a type of carpet made from recycled materials. These are eco-friendlier than brand new carpet and are not treated with the same chemicals. Natural fiber carpets made from wool, jutes and seagrass are made with little or no chemical treatment and minimal amounts of glue. These products are equal in price or cost less than traditional materials and are available from a number of retail and online stores.
  
  

Hardwood Floors

• Among the most popular choices in modern homes is hardwood flooring. Not only are the floors durable and long lasting, but they also are offered in a variety of styles to accommodate just about any design. Homeowners looking for ecologically responsible hardwood can find a dealer of sustainably managed lumber flooring through the Forest Stewardship Council. These are forests that are protected and assure biodiversity, air and water quality are all carefully preserved. The floors are available in colors and styles similar to traditional products.
  
  

Cork

• Cork is a flooring material with a number of benefits but is growing in popularity for its durability and resistance to dust and allergens. It is among the greenest wood-based products on the market, made from the bark of the cork oak tree. This process does no damage to the tree, which will live to be 200 years old and are ready to be harvested again in just a few years. Additionally, the floors are resistant to damage, fire and are naturally resistant to pests. One drawback is the long distance shipping required to get the cork from Europe, where it is processed, to the U.S. This distance increases the amount of fossil fuels and other resources used in transferring the materials.
  
  

Bamboo

• Increasing in popularity in recent years for its durability, Bamboo flooring is often better than maple or oak. This material has additional benefits in that it naturally resists water, mold and mildew and will repel insects. Bamboo is a highly renewable resource since the trees grow quickly and in a widespread area. The floors come in a variety of colors and styles and will resist cracking and warping better than traditional wood. Bamboo is often less costly than other wood options, and installation tends to be easier.