Clearly, going green goes beyond just choosing a green flooring type. Cleaning products, transportation and materials used for manufacturing and installation must be considered.
Green Tips for Adhesives:
- Choose products with low to no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Avoid formaldehyde
- Look for Carpet and Rug Institutes (CRI) Green Label® or Green Label Plus® certification
Green Tips for Cleaners:
- Choose products with natural and biodegradable ingredient
- Consider homemade cleaners using things from the pantry: vinegar, baking soda, salt, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, or olive oil
Green Tips for the Whole House:
- Keep caulked areas caulked (caulking prevents the loss of heat or cold air)
- If you are installing a new floor, make sure that space between the flooring and the door is just right (too much space means you’re heating or cooling the entire outdoors while too little space means you can’t close the door)
- Consider that space heaters are energy hogs and can generate more than two pounds of greenhouse gas per hour (use them too much and they might make your hardwood floors contract)
- Choose low or no VOC products whenever you can
- Insulation is not just for the attic anymore, it can be added between floors for additional saving
- Choose a retailer that shares your commitment to the environment and knows about all the latest advances in green products
