Flooring is a significant choice at home. It affects how we feel in a room, how healthy it is and how much impact our home has on the environment. Today, there are plenty of eco-friendly choices that balance aesthetics with environmental responsibility. No product is perfect but there are ways to sort through the good, the bad and the just plain ugly.

Recycled content and a flooring material’s capacity for being recycled are good measures of its eco-friendliness. Both qualities divert construction waste and post consumer waste from landfills. These qualities also extend the lifespan of raw materials, reducing the demand for new harvest and manufacturing.

These days, manufacturers are growing more aware that waste management is a concern for consumers. A little inquiry can be filled with surprising and innovative measures that a company will be happy to share with you. Some flooring producers make efforts to reduce waste, recycle scraps on site or even donate unused materials. The more people ask about a manufacturer’s environmental initiatives, the more they will have to respond with sound environmental actions.

Many companies are improving their flooring’s eco-friendly nature in finishes and sealers. Even if you are choosing an earth friendly material, be sure to inquire about the chemicals used to protect it. Opt for low-VOC, natural or water based sealers to prevent harmful emissions indoors.

Find out about the source of raw flooring materials like wood. Organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) track natural wood materials to their origins and certify wood used in flooring. The FSC maintains that flooring products with their seal have come from sustainable, diverse and socially beneficial forests.

The same goes for salvaged flooring. The FSC doesn’t handle reclaimed flooring, but an organization called Scientific Certification Systems does with published guidelines. If you’re thinking salvaged wood flooring, be sure to find out about previous finishes to avoid products that may have contain lead from old lead-based paints.

Choosing eco-friendly flooring can take some time and research so if you’re really concerned about minimizing your home’s ecological footprint plan accordingly. Remember that there’s no such thing as a perfect choice. All flooring products have or had some environmental impact, the question is really how much.

In addition to looking at raw material origins, toxicity and recycling considerations, be sure to think about how you will use the product. Choose flooring that meets your needs and satisfies your expectations. If you install eco-friendly flooring and then opt to replace it, your environmental footprint will be bigger in the long run. Choose a product that gives you the most utility to ensure its lifespan is fulfilled.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional, general contractor or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.