When looking for eco-friendly carpeting, choose carpets that are made from 100 percent wool or from vegetable dyed yarn. Vegetable dyes come in many bright colors and are healthier for the environment and for you. There are also carpeting options that are made from recycled plastic bottles. When choosing carpet pad backing, look for padding that is made from recycled materials or from 100 percent cotton. For installation, choose a water-based glue, or skip the glue altogether and go with carpet tacks; carpet tacks have been proven just as effective at securing carpet as toxic glues and fixatives.

Even the most well-maintained carpet will eventually need to be replaced. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find an eco-friendly way to dispose of your old carpeting. Carpets can last for over 20,000 years in a landfill – once it does, the toxic chemicals used to produce the carpets can leach into the ground, and possibly make their way into the public water supply. Every year, there are 1.8 million tons of carpets and rugs that are thrown away. If possible, try to buy new carpeting from an installer that will recycle your carpet or donate it to the less fortunate.

Traditional hardwood flooring from a sustainable forest is a good option, as is cork. Cork provides insulation from temperature extremes as well as noise. Because cork floors are hypoallergenic, they are also suitable for people with asthma. Cork floors are made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which reaches maturity in just three years.

Another sustainable flooring material option is bamboo. It is harder than both northern red oak and maple, and it lasts longer. Another positive feature of bamboo is that it grows quickly, making it an easily sustainable option. Bamboo can be found in a variety flooring patterns. Bamboo floors are easy to maintain, and can be stained a variety if different colors.

Floors are not the only source of chemical pollutants in your home. Your mattress can also make a big impact on your home environment. Conventional mattresses are treated with Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) to make them flame retardant. Recent studies have shown that the PBDEs can accumulate in both blood and breast milk, fish and aquatic birds, and can lead to toxicity of the liver or thyroid, as well as neurodevelopmental toxicity. PBDEs are not used in Europe; in the US they can be found in household items such as some clothing and fabrics, cushions, mattresses, and some plastics.

Federal regulations require that all mattresses meet fire safety regulations, including resisting open flame and cigarette burns, but PBDEs are not the only way to meet federal regulations. Mattresses made from organic cotton, wool or from natural latex can meet the strictest federal guidelines for fire safety, and are made from sustainable materials. These natural alternatives include cotton-silica barriers or natural rubber as fire protection, and feature no harmful synthetic chemicals.

Your furniture can even play an impact on making your home more green. Living a life more green does not mean you must settle for outdated or unattractive furniture, or spend a fortune on home furnishings. Furniture that is made from wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council is available at many big box retailers. The style for much of the eco-friendly furniture available is modern or contemporary, but there are a few companies that offer traditional furniture with FCS certified wood. Bamboo furniture is also becoming more available.

Sofas and chairs can have frames made from sustainable wood or bamboo and be upholstered with organic cotton or hemp. Couches are available with foam that has been made from recycled plastic bottles. Throw pillows and curtains are available in hemp and organic cotton. They come in a wide variety of vegetable and water-based dyes, and styles to fit in with any décor.