Another option for “going green” in the home is linoleum. Linoleum is made from linseed oil, woodflour, and/or cork dust and sometimes pine rosin,  jute and limestone. 

Pros – It comes in a wide variety of colors. It is quiet and durable. More importantly it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. It is also very hygienic and doesn’t collect dust like some flooring. It is a good  choice for people with dust allergies.

Cons – It is made to be porous so it may need to be waxed or polished from time to time. Overall it is  a strong flooring but repairs can be very difficult for a do-it-yourself homeowner. Also, linoleum doesn’t really add to the resale value of your home.

If you are considering the environment when thinking about flooring; Cork is a great way to go. There are many options for cork flooring and it should definitely be considered if you’re going “green” at home.

Pros – Cork is soft and adds warmth to a room. It’s offered in a  wide variety of colors and patterns and has a great texture. Also, it’s  easy to install  and  can be very affordable.  When selecting a cork floor you have the option of going unfinished or  using a polyurethane seal.

Cons – It is  not as durable or easy to clean as vinyl.  It can be “soft” even if sealed and may not be a good choice for families with kids and/or big pets.