You admit it: You love the environment. But you also love your home. You want to experience “the good life” without wrecking the environment. This article will introduce you to some flooring materials you can use to beautify your Bay Area home, condo, or office that also passes the “green” test.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Hardwood Floors

The harvesting of hardwoods can devastate certain forests. But not all harvesting techniques are created equally, as far as “eco friendliness” is concerned. The FSC is a nonprofit group that can point you towards hardwoods that have been nurtured and collected in a principled way.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a beautiful and resilient material. It can be expensive, but it’s also sustainable (grows really fast) and strong. It can be used in high traffic areas, and it has a reputation for being simple to install. Lastly, it’s a hypo-allergenic. Thus, it’s a great choice for people who crave good air quality.

Linoleum Made of Renewables

Durable linoleum is crafted from a strange admixture of limestone, linseed oil, rosins, flour and other ingredients. But don’t be fooled: It’s a very “green friendly” material, and its design possibilities – colors, patterns, shades, etcetera – are basically limitless.

Cork

Moisture and fire resistant, durable, and easy to clean, cork floors are become increasingly “the rage” in the Bay Area and elsewhere. Cork provides cushioning and shock absorption based on its natural structure, and appropriately harvested cork is also very environmentally friendly.

If you are still confused about your flooring choices — or if you want to help installing, refinishing, or restoring your Bay Area floors — connect with the team here at Elegant Floors at 650-961-1339 or www.elegant-floors.com for immediate assistance.

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