About Carpeting
Although there are a variety of ways to install carpeting with low impacts, conventional carpets are not particularly environmentally friendly. Carpeting is one of the most significant sources of indoor air pollutants. These pollutants can come directly off a carpet, carpet cushion or the glue used in installation. Other pollutants are biological such as, spores produced by mold and mildew if carpet gets damp, waste produced by dust mites and VOCs emitted by certain microorganisms. Carpeting can also serve as a sink for pollutants tracked in from outdoors and so should not be used in entryways. Most carpets are made from petrochemical feedstocks and there are significant quantities of waste generated at various stages of its production.
Notes on Carpeting**
Carpet backing: When selecting your carpet, you should also check to see if the backing is made of recycled materials. Carpeting with both a recycled face fiber and backing are widely available.
Carpet pads/cushion: There are several carpet pads available that are made from recycled materials. You could also avoid using a carpet cushion altogether.
Carpet adhesives: When installing, use a low-VOC carpet adhesive or a product with a pre-applied adhesive, such as carpet tiles.
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Recycled |
Throw Rugs |
Wool |
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Carpet
CSI Division: 096813 & 096816 | Residential Category: Rolled Carpeting & Carpet Tiles
This synthetic-fiber carpet is made from post-consumer plastic bottles (ie. soda bottles and ketchup bottles).
What Makes It A Green Product
- Reduces waste and pollution from petrochemical production.
Negative Environmental Considerations
- It is presently very difficult to find places to recycle PET. carpeting once it hase reached the end of it's life
To address the problem of large quantities of discarded carpet, many carpet manufacturers have initiated programs for the collection of used carpet at the end of its life cycle. Participating in these programs helps to ensure that more carpet will not add to landfill burdens and that the raw materials will be recycled.
What Makes It A Green Product
- Many manufacturers make nylon carpet with up to 25% recycled content.
Throw Rugs
CSI Division: 124853 | Residential Category: Rugs
The most common rugs are made of wool or cotton, though other fibers such as jute, sisal, coir and hemp are also used.
What Makes It A Green Product
- Rugs are widely available in natural fibers, cover less floor area, and they do not need to be glued down and so improve indoor air quality.
- Rugs are ideal for entryways because they can be easily removed for cleaning to avoid biological pollutants and improve indoor air quality.
Negative Environmental Considerations
- Large quantities of pesticides may be used on cotton.
- Much of the wool in the United States is shipped from New Zealand and thus increases life-cycle cost through transportation.
Wool carpeting is made from natural fibers instead of a petroleum base.
What Makes It A Green Product
- Reduces waste and pollution from petrochemical production.
Negative Environmental Considerations
- Much of the wool in the United States is shipped from New Zealand and thus increases life-cycle cost through transportation.
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