We gave carpet a heaping load of Rodney Dangerfield the other day, but we have to admit that there are situations where only carpet will do. It muffles sound, is a lot warmer on the bare feet than tile, provides semi-comfortable extra seating for a party, and is essential in some decorating schemes.
Fortunately there are some eco-friendly alternatives beginning to appear on the market. They are a work in progress, but as in all things green, manufacturers are working quickly to resolve some of the problems with traditional carpet.
First the issue of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) which can off-gas causing are being addressed in several ways. Manufacturers are steering away from using petroleum products in carpet backing materials, moving toward jute instead. More and more dyes are vegetable rather than chemical based and it is now possible to buy wool carpets that are not treated with moth proofing. Using a carpet pad made of recycled carpet or used tires instead of polypropylene and tacking rather than gluing the carpet into place results in a much greener installation.
Natural fibers are far more sustainable than the petroleum based materials that constitute most carpets. Wool is one such resource that has many advantages in addition to its sustainability. It is more durable (and thus stays out of landfills longer) and stain resistant than most synthetics, takes dye well, has a luxurious look and feel, and is bio-degradable in landfills. It also has the ability to trap environmental pollutants from other sources in its fibers, keeping them out of the air. On the minus side, some people do have allergies to wool, and the animals who contribute their hair to carpet are rarely raised in the U.S. thus creating a transportation impact on top of the environmental problems of raising livestock in general. Wool is also more expensive than synthetics.
Other natural fibers include those made from plant fibers such sisal which is derived from the leaves of the agave plant which is grown without pesticides and harvested by hand. Sisal is inhospitable to dust mites and is non-allergenic. Another plant fiber is coir made from coconut fiber. This is suitable primarily for outdoor use.
Bamboo rugs are available but those we have seen are woven strips of wood - think matchstick window blinds - rather than loomed. Bamboo is made into very soft fabric for clothing, sheets, and towels so hopefully someone is working on the carpet version.
Sea grass is another natural and sustainable material. It does not hold dye so is usually only available in brown shades and green. Backed with latex is it very durable - but not as green as if left unbacked. However, unbacked it tends to snag and in no case is very comfortable for a quick nap or for a baby's tender knees.
Carpet is also now being made from waste products, especially plastic bottles (like Polar Tec® clothing), waste from extrusion and yarn mills and old carpet. Several manufacturers now aggressively market their programs to recycle the latter. They restore and recut large pieces and reprocess post-consumer waste carpet into new products including both carpet and padding.
Finally, many environmental experts recommend the use of carpet tiles rather than rolls. Individual tiles can be replaced where necessary due to damage or wear, extending the life of the bulk of the carpet and keeping it out of the landfill.