Did you know research shows that carpet can be linked to poor air quality and health issues? Due to the adhesive and backing materials used to make your carpet studies have shown health issues can arise. Recently, low VOC carpet has become more popular as the industry receives more requests for a healthier alternative. Wool carpet has become an organic option because of its material components but can be expensive for the average consumer. So, you might be wondering what you need to look for when considering a low VOC carpet? BTW, for those of us who are just starting to graze down a “greener” pasture (don’t take offense to my cow comparison, please) low VOC means the emission of nasty toxins into the air is minimal. This term is also used to describe safer paint alternatives (low VOC paint).
Andrew Hunt is a freelance writer who specializes in building technology and green building shares the following tip when looking for a low VOC carpet (from www.hgtvpro.com):
“The Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Program (CRI) has established a rating system that sets standards for low VOCs. Looking for the “CRI Green Label Plus” logo is an important place to start.”
What about cork and bamboo as “green” options to carpet? They are definitely environmentally friendly flooring options. These types of flooring are recyclable, renewable, biodegradable, and affordable. Cork flooring is derived from stripping bark away from the beech family of trees that grows in western Mediterranean countries. The bark is removed every nine to fourteen years. The process does not damage the tree. Cork is toxic free, water and fire resistant, hypoallergenic, and resilient. It is also comfortable to walk on and reduces heat loss.
For more info, you can visit the websites: www.corkqc.com or www.treehugger.com.
As for Bamboo, it is similar to oak when it comes to resiliency and stability. In Hong Kong, bamboo can be seen through out the city being used for scaffolding. This material is unquestionably durable and can be used repeatedly. It definitely grows faster and easily than oak trees. Bamboo matures in about three to five years.
Overall, cork and bamboo are two great options that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. You also have a cost advantage as well. These environmentally friendly flooring price ranges from 30%- 50% less expensive than the other conventional materials.
So, readers have you looked at replacing your carpet or involved in a recent remodel and going green? Share your tips and experience with us here 
We just had almost all of our old carpeting torn up and the wood floors underneath refinished. There was one room that unfortunately didn’t have wood floors in it, so we looked into bamboo. For us, in NJ, bamboo floors were a lot more money that oak. Definitely wasn’t economical to have it done.
I think that until bamboo gets a lot more popular, it might not be the best solution for everyone.
But we’re still happy to be rid of the carpeting. It makes the house feel cleaner.
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My mom always had wool carpets and rugs - she was rather determined - perhaps she was green before her time! I personally prefer wood floors, it eliminates the whole confusion or exposure to chemicals in carpets. I also find from a housekeeping perspective wood floors are very forgiving. I need all the forgiveness I can get!!
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We have oak floors with wool carpets with jute backs. In addition, the floors in the basement are made of tongue and groove cork.
When we built a couple of years ago, I was very sensitive to no and low toxic finishes because I have children. Even when looking at a more natural product check to make sure what type of glues and backing are used. For example, a flooring choice may contain formaldehyde based glues. When we were looking at bamboo some of the choices had this type of glue. That was four years ago and things may have changed.
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Thank for this post. My daughter (16m) just had allergy tests, due to asthma. She is allergic to dust mites. Out comes the carpet in her bedroom. The living room and three bedrooms have carpet. The rest of the house is laminate to look like real wood, which I have no idea on the chemicals and how green this is. I didn’t research it when we did the house, five years ago. Now I wish I would have. Bamboo sounds like a nice option for her room. Thanks!
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It a nice site collecting all info about Rugs.
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Its a nice post about online shopping because Online shopping is fast becoming the most preferred mode of shopping whereby shoppers can reap the advantages of Internet shopping from the luxury of their homes,
Thank You.
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Thanks for commenting on this post! It will be interesting to see if bamboo and cork become more popular flooring options.