The term eco–friendly or "green" is typically used to denote something that minimally impacts environment. When applied to flooring, this implies the use of products manufactured in an environmentally friendly or floor products that are sustainable such as bamboo and cork. Finding truly eco–friendly flooring raises a number of questions. A prospective buyer should raise the following questions with a flooring dealer when search for green flooring options.

What raw material inputs have gone into manufacture of the flooring?

Some raw materials are sustainable, that is they are renewable within a reasonable time. Such materials are cork and bamboo.

What chemicals are used in the manufacturing process of the flooring?

Some chemicals used in the manufacturing process are toxic, pollute the air and contribute to global warming.

Are high–intensive machines or materials containing volatile organic compounds (VOC) used in the manufacturing process?

Because of excessive reliance on energy and resources, high–intensive machines are not deemed eco–friendly. Nor are flooring that emit high VOCs which are commonly linked with cancer risk and are an irritant to the throat, nose and eyes.

Does the flooring release gases during its lifetime?

Some types of vinyl flooring, for instance, release polyvinyl chloride for years after installation, which is not considered eco–friendly.

Where was the floor manufactured?

Flooring that has to be shipped from overseas or a great distance leaves a larger carbon footprint because of the energy consumed during transportation.

How is the floor disposed off after its useful life and can it be recycled?

An evident plus point if discarded flooring can be recycled.

Does the product qualify for green certification?

There are a number of certifications for flooring products that exist like FSC, Green Seal, and EcoLogo. Be sure to ask if the flooring product you are considering has been certified by any organization.