Eco Friendly Flooring Doesn’t Have to be Drab

Undertaking a home building project? Sustainable, eco-friendly materials are the only way to go — they’re better for you, as well as the planet. According to GreenBuilding.com, “the US EPA ranks indoor pollution among top five environmental risks, and unhealthy air is found in up to 30% of new and renovated buildings.”

A couple of weeks ago I had the good fortune to meet Piera Marotto (contact info below) and her husband at the Forbo Flooring Systems booth at the GO GREEN EXPO in NYC. Prior to visiting their booth I had heard of, but never actually seen, a very cool biodegradable product called, Marmoleum.

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Marmoleum click is produced from natural linoleum (from a flax plant’s linseed oil, mixed with pine rosins) on HDF with a cork/jute layer

and comes in approximate sizes of 12″ x 36″ panels and 12″ x 12″squares. It’s easy to install (no glue required), hygienic (has antimicrobial properties), prevents dust mites, and provides warmth; ideal for kitchen, rec-room and powder room.

Other green choices for living, dining, bedroom, kitchen and just about any room, are floors made from reclaimed wood, or bamboo, cork and other renewable resources (ecotimber.com) or (pioneermillworks.com).

If you prefer to lay down some carpet, check out Bio-floor, a line of completely biodegradable, 100% undyed and untreated beautiful hemp or wool carpets @ earthweave.com. Your lungs will thank you for avoiding benzene and toluene, two VOCs (volatile organic compounds) commonly found in adhesives. Be sure the padding is made of wool or recycled materials that are adhesive-free.

Or consider Interface FLOR for carpet squares that are made from recycled materials and easy to install.

Area rugs may provide the best of both worlds — providing a cushy feeling underfoot and a surround of sustainable flooring.

Related Resources: When It’s Greener to Build

US Green Building Council

carpet-rug.org

American Lung Association Health House Program (tips sheet)

Piera can be contacted via: piera (dot) marotto (at) forbo (dot) com