If you care about the environment, renovating can be gut-wrenching. In addition to ripping out old home components and throwing them away, you might also wonder how eco-friendly the new materials you will be adding to your home really are. Fortunately, there are several varieties of sustainable flooring that are beautiful and safe for the environment. 

Varieties of Sustainable Flooring

1. Linoleum

Although many people assume linoleum is the opposite of eco-friendly, this tried-and-true product is actually made from linseed oil derived from flax plants. In the old days, linoleum was made by layering materials like burlap and linseed oil, which were left to dry until the product became hard and shiny. Although modern techniques are more refined, linseed oil remains the main ingredient, which is easy to source responsibly and doesn’t emit chemicals that damage the atmosphere.

2. Bamboo 

Bamboo can grow as fast as three to four feet per day, making it one of the most sustainable varieties of hardwood. In fact, bamboo crops can produce as much as 20 times more material than lumber in the same size of the field, and the plant emits more oxygen than most trees, helping the environment. 

3. Reclaimed Wood

Collected from old structures, reclaimed wood packs a powerful punch of personality, especially when used as flooring. While many varieties of reclaimed wood have traditional wood grains and colors, others are stained or painted different colors, making it easy to create floors that are just as interesting as they are beautiful. 

4. Cork 

Cork is made from the bark of the cork tree, which regenerates on its own within a few years. Additionally, the tree doesn’t need to be cut down to harvest this material, making cork a highly sustainable flooring choice. 

5. P.E.T Berber Carpet 

Made from recycled plastic bottles, P.E.T. Berber Carpet is a product of careful recycling. In addition to reusing products that would otherwise be tossed into a landfill, this type of berber is resilient against stains and available in a wide range of textures and colors. 

It isn’t always easy to choose the right flooring for your home, which is why the team at O'Connor's Carpet Center works hard to source all of the best brands. Whether you need ceramic tiles, new carpet, or hardwoods that really stand out, this trusted Bronx, NY, business has what you need to make your home unique and beautiful. To learn more about how they can help, visit them online or give them a call at (718) 409-2020.