Healthy floor coverings are very important by the mere fact that we are exposed to so much of its surface area. This is especially true for children and people with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities. Some floor coverings have unhealthy low-level outgassing of chemicals. Others affect allergy and asthma problems.

Flooring should also be of concern to those who care about the health of the planet. Manufacture and disposal of materials are critical issues. Many flooring manufacturers are addressing their concern for the environment by instituting new programs, materials and manufacturing processes. These are the kinds of manufacturers included here on the GreenSage site. When it comes to your purchasing choices, they deserve to be supported.
When choosing a healthy floor covering, keep in mind the area of surface exposure, the subflooring type and the intended use of the room. Consider the qualities wanted ina floorcovering when making your choice. Suitability of materials, performance, maintenance and aesthetics are some of those qualities.
There are many types of healthy floor covering materials available: carpeting, cork, linoleum, ceramic tile, wood, bamboo, stone, terrazzo, concrete, and earth.
Much of the carpeting available through GreenSage eliminates traditionally-used synthetic materials containing petroleum and chemicals which are known to be harmful to our health. More sustainable carpet choices are available including natural and inert fibers, mostly made from materials that are renewable, recyclable or biodegradable.
Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees. GreenSage sources from environmentally sensitive harvesters. Cork is available finished, unfinished or waxed. With proper care, cork is a durable, resilient, economical flooring option.
Linoleum is a naturally durable flooring material made from natural and renewable materials. It is often claimed as being chemically benign. It is long lasting, and easy to maintain and install.
Ceramic tile or earthen tile comes from natural sources and is 100% recyclable. Installation can be virtually inert when using eco-installation guidelines and adhesives.
Wood flooring remains one of the healthiest choices. Certified solid woods are available and new technologies have developed pressed composite wood products. Asian bamboo strips laminated onto durable flooring boards are a newer technology from a renewable resource.
Stone flooring such as marble and slate is sometimes higher in price, but is natural, inert and durable and may be worth the extra cost. Terrazzo is a mixture of mineral chips, and comes in a variety of colors or multicolored. Installation, sealants and methods can be fairly inert.
Concrete and cementitious flooring are generally inert, although they are subject to wear, which produces a very fine dust. A sealer is suggested to help harden and seal the surface. Concrete can be colored to achieve a warmer effect.
Earth can be used in many ways as flooring. A mixture of sand, clay and straw is a durable economical choice and its easy to apply over a subfloor. Earthen mixtures can be colored with different soil types and finished with a natural oil or wax coating.