Focus on flooring

When it comes to choosing sustainable flooring, there are as many options as there are reasons to go green. These can range from wanting to cut back on pollution from transporting flooring products to this area, reducing deforestation by foregoing wooden flooring, to minimizing toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the air, which can come not only from production and installation of flooring, but from day-to-day wear. “There are so many green products to choose from compared to what there was five years ago,” says Shelley Runolfson, resident designer and co-owner of Fashion Carpets in Spokane Valley. “It’s exciting to see the shift in availability.” She and husband Dennis consider themselves pioneers of this area’s sustainable flooring products, and have sold ‘Green’ products for eight years. Fashion Carpets opened in 1973, and the Runolfsons continue to offer flooring for locations throughout Spokane. Past clients of their sustainable products include the Saranac, the only Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified building on this side of the Cascades; and the home of Jim Sheehan, the building’s owner. In some cases, sustainable products and specialty materials can mean paying a little more upfront, but the pay-offs can include everything from a longer item lifespan, a healthier environment, or pride in consuming fewer resources. “Although most of them are still a little pricier, as the demand goes up—as it is—of course the price will come down,” she said. Here’s a summary of available choices. Healthier carpet: One affordable product is the eco-friendly SmartStrand, by Mohawk Industries. Comprised of Triexta — a fiber made with an enviro-friendly corn-based polymer, rather than a petroleum-based material— it requires 30 percent less energy and releases 63 percent less greenhouse gas during production, compared to nylon carpets. “Smartstrand wears better, has better stain protection, better warranties, and the cost is comparable to other not so eco-friendly carpets,” says Pete Falzone, Fashion Carpets sales associate. It’s known for incredible softness, due to engineered-in stain resistance. Rather than applied as a coating, the resistant material is built in to the fiber, which means it never wears or washes off, and even stubborn stains can be easily removed with water and mild detergent. SmartStrand is available at more than 20 Spokane-North Idaho flooring retailers, including Great Floors, Quality Floors and Interiors, Wallflowers, Linoleum and Carpet City, and Panhandle Carpet One. Bamboo: Strand-woven bamboo plants are becoming prized because of their sustainability, glossy surface, and durability. Bamboo is harder than oak; but when split, shredded and fused under a cold press, it becomes harder still. An extremely strong and fast-growing cane, Bamboo renews itself every five years, and actually necessitates regular harvesting to ensure future plant growth. Cork: Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which can be stripped every 10 years without harm. Touting extreme resilience, thermal and acoustic insulation, rot- and fire-resistance, soft texture, natural impermeability to water and resistance to stains, cork is versatile and suitable for any room, including kitchens and bathrooms. Cork floors do not require professional installation, but steer clear of toxic adhesives during installation and seek “clickable” formats. Wood: Look for reclaimed wood or wood bearing an accredited sustainability certification logo such as FSC, which ensures not only the sustainability of the source forests but environmentally-responsible practices throughout manufacture and distribution. Wood flooring does need to be protected from moisture, scratching and denting, but you can look for non-toxic coatings with low levels of VOCs, or avoid adhesives altogether by nailing wood planks down. Wool: Wool carpet, although expensive, is very resilient, springing back and looking good for years. It’s a natural resource that’s soil- and stain-resistant, naturally anti-static, and 100 percent biodegradable, provided it is produced with a backing made of natural jute. It also does not produce the toxic fumes associated with synthetic carpets. Linoleum: “True” natural linoleum is one of the “greenest” flooring options. It’s made from linseed oil and pine resin—two natural, renewable resources and is great for heavy wear and doesn’t require waxing to maintain a protective top layer. It is also stain- and water-resistant, so especially suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. Linoleum naturally inhibits bacterial growth, it does not need to be treated with chemicals and won’t give off fumes. It does carry a distinct smell of linseed oil which may irritate sensitive noses. It is also highly flammable, a serious drawback for home use. Again, avoid toxic adhesives in installation, or try clickable formats. Tile: Nothing quite beats the look of great tile, which is made of natural substances and when installed correctly lasts a lifetime. Homeowners can be creative with a multitude of textures, colors and sizes. Many ceramic and porcelain tiles mimic the look of slate, marble and limestone, and new trends simulate leather, fabric, wallpaper, alligator skin and even sisal carpet. Your flooring choice comes down to practicality and style. With so many sustainable options in 2010, if you do your research, you should be able to find something that fits your comfort, quality and budget. Even if you can’t afford to lay an entirely “green” floor throughout your home, start with cork for your kitchen or wool carpet for your family room, and you’re already taking a step towards a healthier planet and a healthier you. “It’s nice to see the awareness growing,” Shelley Runolfson said. “Consumers are now coming to us already educated on these products; we’re just so happy we can help them.”