Eco-friendly flooring options to improve your carbon footprint

As the fight against climate change continues and conversations around conservation widen, the desire for more eco-friendly products around the home has experienced a boost, with environmentally conscious consumers seeking homewares that not only look great in their homes, but are also a friend to the planet.

Using eco-friendly flooring is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and there are many options to choose from, from sustainable carpet, eco-friendly vinyl flooring, eco-friendly tiles and even sustainable underlay options.

What is a sustainable flooring material?

Eco-friendly flooring and sustainable flooring are made using less harmful products and processes, and are produced from materials sought from sustainably managed and controlled sources. 

When looking for eco-friendly flooring, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key considerations:

• Sustainable materials: Look for flooring options that are made from renewable, recycled, or reclaimed materials. Examples include bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, recycled glass tiles, and linoleum made from natural materials such as linseed oil, cork powder, and wood flour.
• Non-toxicity: Pay attention to the presence of harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the flooring materials. Choose flooring products that have been certified as low-VOC or no-VOC, as these minimise the release of toxic substances into the air, improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks.
• Resource efficiency: Consider the overall energy and resource consumption associated with the manufacturing, installation, use, and disposal of the flooring. Opt for materials that require fewer resources to produce and have a lower carbon footprint. 
• Durability and longevity: Choose flooring materials that are durable and long-lasting. High-quality, resilient options can withstand heavy foot traffic and require less frequent replacement, reducing waste over time. Look for products with wear and tear guarantees that can attest to the longevity and performance of the flooring.
• Recyclability and disposal: Consider the end-of-life impact of the flooring. Look for options that can be easily recycled or repurposed at the end of their lifespan, reducing landfill waste. 
• Sustainable production practices: Research the manufacturers' sustainability practices, such as their commitment to renewable energy, waste reduction, water conservation, and responsible sourcing of materials. Look for certifications like Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) for wood products, which ensure responsible forest management.
• Certification and labelling: Look for certifications and eco-labels that indicate the flooring's environmental credentials. These labels provide reassurance that the flooring meets specific environmental and health standards.
• Maintenance and cleaning: Consider the maintenance requirements of the flooring. Some eco-friendly options may require specific cleaning products or methods to maintain their integrity. Choose flooring that is easy to clean and maintain without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive water usage.

By considering these factors, you can create a healthier, sustainable home and make a big difference to your carbon footprint.

Environmentally-friendly and sustainable carpet 

Laying the foundations for a more environmentally friendly home couldn’t be cosier, thanks to the milestones being made within the world of carpet manufacturing.

A prime example of this is the work that’s been done by award-winning Sedna® carpets.

They’re a sustainable carpet brand who have set their sights on helping saving the world’s sea creatures from getting caught up in life-threatening waste, such as old fishing nets.

They actually take these old nets and other rubbish and discarded materials, such as old carpets, and turn them into ECONYL®, a regeneration nylon that is then used to make their carpets.

As soft and luxurious as they are durable, Sedna® carpets are also fitted with an ECO FusionBac textile back that’s made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

Sustainably sourced laminate flooring

Durable, stylish and easy to clean, there are plenty of reasons why laminate flooring is a popular choice for many areas of the home. Add sustainable to the list and you have the perfect flooring option!

According to the North American Laminate Floor Association (NALFA), laminate is an eco-friendly choice that doesn’t contain any solvents, preservatives or any other chemicals that may aggravate allergies and asthma.

All of our laminate, wood and tile effect flooring are sustainably sourced and supplied by fully accredited and certifiable sources.

This includes the IDS range of laminate flooring that carry the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) logo.

This means their products have come from sustainably managed forests, recycled and controlled sources.

But that’s not all, the vast majority of IDS’ laminate flooring is manufactured in the UK by Kronospan, who are paving the way by producing wooden boards that are ‘carbon negative.’

In the space of just one year, they produced enough of these environmentally friendly boards to lock in over 20 million tonnes of carbon.

So there you have it, 3 eco-friendly home products that will not only give your home an instant refresh but are also friends to the environment.

Whether you use 1 or more of them in part or all of your home, you’ll know you’ve made a difference in the fight against climate change. 

After reading through, you may be planning to replace your carpet or laminate flooring with an eco-friendly alternative.

That’s great news if you are, but did you know that what you do with your old flooring can help save the planet too?

If your old carpet or laminate hasn’t been down for very long and is virtually like new, you may want to consider giving it away, which means one less thing having to be sent to landfill right now.

Alternatively, take it to a recycling centre where it can be responsibly disposed of or even repurposed.