greenliving
maintains that proper ventilation significantly reduces VOC exposure from new carpets after the first 48 to 72 hours, health concerns related to conventional carpets are legiti- mate, as are its other environmental consequences. Accord- ing to the EPA, “Over 4 billion pounds of carpet enter the solid waste stream in the United States every year.” Because it’s bulky and comprises multiple materials, discarded carpet is difficult both to dispose of and recycle.
Eco-Friendlier Floors S
Top Green Choices for What’s Underfoot by Brita Belli
tanding in a newly carpeted room, it’s hard to miss the distinctive chemical odors wafting up from the floor. That’s the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—airborne chemicals that can exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause headaches, nausea and eye and throat irritation upon exposure.
While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Natur NA Fun Fact:
is published in over 80 U.S. markets.
40 Collier/Lee Counties al Awakenings
Fortunately, there are a host of savvy alternatives that won’t tax the health of our families or the planet. Here are some of the most popular eco-flooring choices. Hardwood: Woods certified by the Forest Steward- ship Council (FSC) and available through most major retail- ers offer an attractive option for most homes. Domestically grown species, including oak, maple and hickory, are the better choices environmentally. However, the FSC also certi- fies tropical and other forests around the globe (at least 330 million acres in 81 countries), helping to prevent damaging deforestation and counteract illegal logging (
fsc.org). Brad Kahn, the council’s director of communica- tions, notes that people purchasing FSC-certified products have assurance that the product is supporting re- sponsible forest management and helping protect forests for future generations.
Reclaimed Hardwood:
Lumber brimming with character, as well as sterling environ- mental credentials is available from companies specializing in reclaimed wood. It may come from sources as diverse as Midwest barns razed for development to ties from aban- doned rail lines in Thailand. Nail holes, scratches, weather- ing and other distinctive markings lend the wood—and our homes—a special distinction. Reclaiming these valuable materials not only diverts them from the waste stream, it expands the eco-options available to homeowners via other-
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