What to Look For

Carpets, particular wall-to-wall carpets, can become sinks for allergens and may for years offgas volatile organic compounds from glues and backings.  However, better options have arisen addressing not only these issues but also end-of-life recycling.

Materials: Wool and plant fibers provide long-lived, biodegradable carpet materials.  However, avoid toxic moth-proofing insecticides sometimes used on wool carpets. Recycled and recyclable fibers ensure that the loop is being closed in keeping old carpeting from entering landfills.

Take-Back Programs: Some major carpet manufacturers have instituted take-back programs, which can help keep carpets and their chemicals out of the general waste stream. Most even recycle carpet and backing into new materials. Some companies may offer these programs only to large-scale industrial clients, so contact companies to see if your current carpet qualifies.

Rugmark Certification: Dedicated to ending child labor in the Indian sub-continent's rug industry, Rugmark monitors looms and factories, certifies rugs, and provides schooling for former child laborers. Visit Rugmark for manufacturers, sellers and more information.

Alternatives

Using small, natural fiber carpets that can be washed in hot water will rid your floors of dust mites which thrive in wall-to-wall carpeting. As an extra advantage, the floor beneath can be cleaned.
Hardwood floors can provide a gleaming, attractive surface to walk upon. See our Flooring Buying Guide for hard-floor surface alternatives.

Shopping Tips

• Backings made with synthetic latex can pollute your indoor air with VOCs. Look for carpets with natural latex backings or backings made from recycled plastic.

• Since adhesives can be yet another source of VOCs in carpets, choose tacks over adhesives. If you have to use an adhesive, use one that’s water-based and low-VOC, such as AFM Safecoat 3 in 1 Adhesive (www.afmsafecoat.com, 800-239-0321 for a listing of suppliers).

• Using small, natural fiber area rugs that can be washed in hot water will rid your floors of dust mites which thrive in wall-to-wall carpeting. As an extra advantage, the floor beneath can be cleaned.