Going green with your flooring has several benefits, from improved air quality to following a more sustainable way of living to increasing your home’s value.
In this post, we’ll show you some options for eco-friendly carpeting, separated both by the type of material and then listing specific recommended brands. But first, we’ll answer one of the most commonly asked questions about carpeting, which is how it impacts home value.
Does Eco-Friendly Carpeting Increase Home Value?
There are plenty of upgrades you can make to not only live comfortably but also increase your home’s value, and carpeting is one of these.
Eco-friendly flooring can add a sense of style and luxury to any space, but green credentials make it increasingly appealing to buyers, meaning more interest and potentially higher offers.
Unlike some green renovations that make homes more efficient but aren’t eye-catching, eco-friendly carpeting has the advantage of both beautifying a space and adding the value that comes with a more sustainable home. According to some experts, investing in green home renovations can give your home an average 2.19% premium over traditional renovations.
According to Greg Covell, a real estate agent in Vancouver:
“The real estate market in British Columbia has always been premium. As of December 2022, the median home price in this province was $911,753. Listing your home in this property market will be a challenge if you don’t renovate the carpeting or update other facilities.”
In terms of value, homes with eco-friendly carpets can boast reduced allergens and pollutants in the air, as well as a healthier indoor environment with fewer toxins. Depending on the material they can also provide better insulation against heat loss and can be easier to clean than their conventional counterparts.
11 Eco-Friendly Carpet Options
Regardless of whether you intend to sell your home or live in it, you’re probably looking for an affordable and attractive option for eco-friendly carpeting. If so, take a look at the following options, which cover a range of materials, styles and looks.
Eco-friendly Carpets ( by Material)
Wool – Wool comes from a renewable source, and carpets made from wool are both durable and sustainable. Also, wool is naturally fire-resistant so it will help protect your home in case of a fire.
Recycled PET Carpeting – This type of carpeting is made from recycled plastic bottles so it offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carpeting. Furthermore, it’s stain-resistant and extremely durable, making it a great choice for busy households.
Bamboo – Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that grows quickly and doesn’t require replanting after harvesting. Bamboo carpets are made from the fibres of the bamboo plant and are soft, durable and easy to clean. They also have natural moisture-resistant properties, making them a good choice for damp environments. Be aware that some bamboo flooring products are produced using toxic chemicals, so be sure to do your research and choose a product that is responsibly sourced and manufactured.
Cork rugs – Cork is a sustainable and renewable material that comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. The bark can be harvested every 9 to 12 years without damaging the tree, making it a highly sustainable material. Cork rugs are hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and have natural insulation properties, making them a great option for those with allergies and for homes looking to reduce energy costs.
Organic cotton – This type of carpeting has been grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, making it a more environmentally friendly option than standard cotton. Organic cotton carpets are also biodegradable and renewable, and they are often available in a range of natural colours.
Jute – Jute is a plant fibre that’s commonly used for making carpets and rugs. It’s a renewable resource that grows quickly and requires minimal water and pesticides to grow. Jute carpets are soft and durable and they have natural moisture-resistant properties that make them a great option for humid environments. Jute carpets are also biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Seagrass – Seagrass is a sustainable material that grows in the coastal regions of Asia, Africa and South America. It’s harvested by hand and then woven into carpets and rugs. Seagrass carpets are durable, stain-resistant and have natural insulation properties, making them a great option for homes looking to reduce energy costs. They are also biodegradable. Additionally, seagrass carpets are hypoallergenic and non-toxic, making them safe for use in homes with pets and children.
List of Eco-friendly Carpets by Brand
Nature’s Carpet – This option is made from 100% natural materials. It has a long lifespan, is chemical-free, hypoallergenic and available in a variety of styles. Overall, it is a great choice for those looking for eco-friendly flooring.
EarthWeave – These carpets are designed to be non-toxic and hypoallergenic, since they are made from 100% natural materials such as wool and jute. Additionally, they are free from synthetic dyes and flame retardants.
FLOR – Carpets from FLOR are very modern. These stylish carpet squares are made from recycled materials. These can be customized to create a unique rug for a specific area. This makes them a great choice for eco-friendly and elegant carpeting.
Mohawk – This company offers a wide range of eco-friendly carpets that are certified by the Cradle to Cradle certification program. These carpets are made with recycled fibres and are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), which means they won’t release hazardous chemicals into your home’s air.
Whether it’s for a single room or an entire home, investing in eco-friendly carpets will definitely make a difference by reducing your environmental footprint, improving your indoor air quality, and even raising the value of your home.
However, if you’ve decided that carpeting is not right for you, check out our article Eco-Friendly Flooring Options that Might Interest You for ideas on other types of sustainable flooring.
Feature image: Glenn Carstens-Peters; Image 1: Pixabay
