This recycled carpeting looks red - but it's actually green!
I’m not crazy about using green in my home. My favorite color is brown, because it is warm, and almost neutral, which means I can switch out accent colors as I please. Our brown carpet also conveniently matches the dog, but that’s another article.
I recently learned, however, that I could go green while keeping my brown color scheme. Michael Rose of Classic Carpet & Flooring of St. Louis, MO, has clued me in on how to recycle my existing carpet and padding, and then choose from an ever-growing selection of recycled carpeting which will keep my feet warm, stay out of the landfills, and still match my dog.
Environmentally Friendly Carpet
The first issue to deal with when buying new carpet is what to do with the old one. Before we knew better, the carpet and pad would immediately go to the landfill. Now that we know better, there are other options.
Michael’s store was one of the first in the St. Louis area to recycle the carpet padding from their customers’ homes. Once removed, the padding now goes directly to the manufacturer where it is recycled into a new product. Michael also sells the recycled carpet padding, which he says, “happens to be the most durable cushion on the market.” Carpets require a bit more planning to recycle, but Shaw Industries now recycles nylon carpet, and they have a network of collection sites throughout the country.
Organic Carpet?
Michael assured us that soft carpet is becoming more and more popular, as are darker and richer carpet colors. Whatever style of carpet you prefer, though, there are many different ways to acquire it while being environmentally responsible.
• Since now you know that Shaw Industries recycles carpeting, buy your carpet from that company with recycled content. Shaw’s Anso carpeting is also fully recyclable at the end of its service life.
• Mohawk’ s Smartstrand carpeting is not so much recyclable as renewable. You see, carpet fibers are normally made from petroleum byproducts (yes, that means oil). Smartstrand carpeting is primarily made from corn, which is obviously easier to come by and sustainable.
Michael’s company can also help you with specific problems relating to your floors or carpeting. For instance, if you have pets, he can recommend a new padding which has a vapor barrier and an antimicrobial treatment to safeguard it from mildew.
Other Green Flooring Options
Of course, there are green flooring options beyond carpeting, and many carpeting stores offer them as well. Michael says, “We are seeing customers using more hardsurfaces in their homes versus carpet primarily due to its durability.” Not to mention easier on allergy sufferers.
• Bamboo is becoming very common with environmentally aware consumers, because it grows back much more quickly than most North American hardwood.
• Cork is also easily replenished. Since it is made from the bark, and not the heartwood of the tree, cork is harvested without even cutting the tree down.
• EcoTimber is a manufacturer which does use more traditional wood products, but because they maintain the highest level of environmental stewardship throughout the harvesting and manufacturing process, these products are still considered green.
I find it comforting that I can dispose of my old carpet and padding without further clogging my local landfill. I find it even more comforting that, regardless of the materials or texture I choose for my replacement flooring, I have many green options to choose from - which will still match the dog.
Classic Carpet & Flooring is a featured exhibitor at the Builders St. Louis Home & Garden Show. For more tips, read about these green building products.
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