Sustainable Material Choices for Flooring and Paint/Wall Finishes: Part 1
More in depth of sustainable options and information for flooring, fabrics, and walls
In my previous posts, I've touched on the importance of choosing materials that have a positive impact on both the environment and our health. The choices we make, from energy use to the mining and transportation of materials, have a lasting effect. From emissions and depletion of finite resources to the accumulation of waste in landfills, there’s much to consider. Alongside this, hazardous chemicals, construction waste, and material processing can all influence the sustainability of a project.
Now, in this post, I want to dive deeper into the sustainability of flooring, paints, wall finishes, and textiles—materials we often overlook but that can play a significant role in both wellness and the planet’s future.
Please note, I will not be covering topics such as wool in depth in this blog post. While wool is a sustainable resource, there are ethical and moral concerns related to how wool is obtained from the animals. As with most things, it is important to research where your products come from and ensure they are fair trade, B-Corp certified, and support animal safety. Helping the planet means helping each other just as much as it means helping ourselves.
Waste and Sustainability: Where It All Starts
As a species, we’ve created more waste and pollution than any other. The materials we use in construction are no exception. Understanding how buildings are deconstructed and the energy required to harvest and process materials before they even reach the job site can help us reduce carbon emissions and waste.
When choosing materials, it’s essential to plan ahead, avoiding surplus or unnecessary waste. In the case of flooring, paint, or tile, it’s often tempting to buy extra “just in case.” While it's always smart to have a small buffer in case of errors or breakage, we want to avoid creating excess. Extra materials—especially those that can’t be reused—just end up in landfills. Instead, by reusing and repurposing materials whenever possible, we reduce costs and waste.
Using recycled content is another great way to keep materials out of the waste stream. Whether it's concrete, wood, or even metal, choosing materials with recycled content helps reduce the need for new resources and minimizes landfill accumulation.
Sustainable Flooring Options: What's Really Green?
When it comes to flooring, many options are available, but not all are created equal in terms of sustainability. Here are some of the most common options:
Bamboo
Bamboo is considered a sustainable material due to its rapid regrowth—typically harvested within 10 years. However, it may not be ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces with excess moisture. Always consider its durability and the intended use before deciding.
Reclaimed Wood
Wood flooring, especially when reclaimed, is another eco-friendly option. While wood is a renewable resource, it's essential to ensure it comes from sustainably managed forests (e.g., FSC-certified) and not from old-growth forests or endangered species.
Cork and Linoleum
Cork and natural linoleum are rapidly renewable materials that work well for sustainable flooring. They are both durable and biodegradable, making them great choices for eco-conscious projects.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber flooring is another sustainable choice that’s durable, renewable, and versatile. It’s a great alternative to synthetic rubber options that may contain harmful chemicals.
Stone
Natural stone, while durable and timeless, isn’t always the most eco-friendly choice because of the energy required to extract and transport it. However, when sourced responsibly, it can be a sustainable option.
Wood Types to Consider
When selecting wood, it’s important to choose species that are responsibly sourced. FSC-certified wood ensures environmental standards are met. In the U.S., some examples of rot-resistant woods include black locust, red mulberry, and osage-orange. Look for these if durability is a key concern for your flooring or fencing.
Some non-domestic rot-resistant woods include angelique, azobe, and purple heart. Keep in mind that treated wood, such as chemically treated fencing, may contain hazardous materials like formaldehyde.
Carpet and Textiles: Can They Be Sustainable?
Carpet and textiles add warmth, comfort, and aesthetic appeal to any space, but they come with their own set of challenges when it comes to sustainability.
Carpet Sustainability Challenges
Carpet often doesn’t decompose easily, and separating its components for recycling is difficult. As a result, much of it ends up in landfills. However, carpet tiles are often considered more sustainable because damaged tiles can be replaced without needing to throw away the entire carpet.
That said, the adhesives used in carpet tiles are typically not eco-friendly, and the comfort level may not be as high as other options. Additionally, carpets are often made with synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which aren’t biodegradable.
Sustainable Carpet Materials
Some carpet fibers are made from renewable resources like corn or wool. Others are created from recycled fibers, which can help extend the lifespan of non-sustainable materials. However, once these materials are recycled, they can’t always be recycled again, so their time in the landfill is delayed rather than avoided.
Look for carpets that are free of harmful chemicals, such as flame retardants, stain repellents, and anti-microbials. These chemicals, while helpful for some purposes, can be harmful to your health or the environment. Instead, seek out carpets made from non-treated fibers, undyed wool, or recycled polyester that’s solution-dyed (which uses less water and energy).
Sustainable Tile Options
Tiles are another common material that can have a significant environmental footprint. While ceramic tile is generally considered a sustainable material because it’s made from natural, readily available resources, it does have a high embodied energy—meaning the energy used to create and transport it is substantial.
However, ceramic tile is durable, low-maintenance, and often made from post-consumer or industrial waste. This makes it a better option than other materials that don’t use recycled content.
Considerations for Sustainable Tile
When choosing tile, it’s important to avoid adhesives and grouts with high VOC content, such as epoxy and plastic-based adhesives. These chemicals can off-gas harmful substances into your space. Instead, opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC adhesives and grout to keep your indoor air quality healthy.
Porous tiles, while beautiful, can also be a poor choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, where they can absorb moisture and lead to mold growth.
Conclusion: The Importance of Making Informed Choices
Incorporating sustainable materials into your design project is more than just a trend—it’s a necessity for the health of both our planet and ourselves. Whether you’re choosing flooring, paint, or textiles, being mindful of the environmental and health impacts of the materials you use can make a huge difference.
Before making any decisions, always research where materials come from, how they’re processed, and what chemicals may be present. Look for certifications and try to choose products that are recyclable, free from harmful chemicals, and sourced from responsible suppliers.
By making informed choices, you can help create spaces that are not only beautiful but sustainable, healthier, and kinder to the Earth.
Final Thoughts
I hope this post helps you understand the sustainable options available for flooring, tiles, and textiles—and why they matter. The choices we make today impact our future. Stay mindful, choose wisely, and always consider both sustainability and health when designing your space!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog, where we'll dive into wall finishes, paint options, and more sustainable choices for your home!