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We’ve touched on the ways to go green on both a small and moderately sized budget, but what about those of you who have a fat wallet? Well, you’ll not only be able to green your life successfully, but you will also be able to get completely off the grid or even give energy back.
Wool carpet
Many carpets in the united states are made from synthetic polymers like nylon (which is petroleum based), polyester, and polypropylene. Wool carpet is the longest lasting carpet available and is naturally stain-resistant by beading spills near the top of the carpet long enough for you to grab a rag to wipe up the mess. Wool also helps control humidity to help keep your home feeling better.
Price: $10/sq. yd
Compared to: Typically $1-$8/sq. yd depending on quality.
(Prices do not include installation costs)
Alternative
Since wool carpet is somewhat expensive and you’ll probably need a professional to install it, consider buying FLOR recycled carpet squares. The squares are all natural, recycled(able), and easy to install (you can install them yourself). FLOR carpet runs anywhere from $5-$40/sq. yd (typically $8-10 for residential indoors). Since you can install the carpet yourself, it is not only environmentally friendly but also cost efficient.
25 large, multinational companies have been chosen as the finalists for the Greenest Companies of 2008, honored by Natural Health Magazine at the Natural Health Green Choice Awards. The 25 finalistsare conserving energy, saving water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, shrinking carbon footprints, and reducing waste at unparalleled levels. They are also contributing to huge improvements in alternative energy and encouraging their employees (around 3 million combined) to embrace sustainability (prnewswire.com). From the 25 finalists, 10 winners will be chosen and presented by Ed Begley, Jr. at a *censored*tail reception on May 5, 2009.
To give you an idea of what these 25 companies are doing or have done to go green, I have done some research on each company and have listed each finalist with a brief description of one of their green initiatives and/or contributions. Here are the finalists:
This line of eco-friendly carpet squares developed a Return & Recycle Program, which takes your old FLOR carpet squares and turns them into new products, preventing any of their products from going to landfills. They are one of a handful of U.S. companies that print their catalogs on 100% recycled paper/85% post-consumer waste. Their goal is to have zero negative impact on the Earth by 2020.
To read about the rest of the finalists go to The Green Bin.
Here is a a feature on the ABC News website about recycling many household items that features FLOR. Click below to see the entire story.
Real Simple Recycling A to Z
A Comprehensive Primer on Recycling Nearly Everything, Often for a Good Cause
Oct. 10, 2008
Each water bottle you recycle may seem like a drop in the bucket, but don't undervalue your efforts.
America is recycling nearly 33 percent of its waste -- almost twice as much as 15 years ago. But sometimes it can be tough to tell what can go in the bin, what can't and what your recycling center does and does not accept.
To help you navigate the often murky recycling waters, check out Real Simple magazine's A to Z guide to recycling.
(Getty Images/AP Photo)
These tips were first published in the September and October issues of Real Simple and written by Natalie Ermann Russell.
For more tips like these, a new lifestyle makeover series called "Real Simple, Real Life," hosted by Kit Hoover, premieres on the television channel TLC on Oct. 17, at 8 p.m. ET.
AEROSOL CANS. These can usually be recycled with other cans, as long as you pull off the plastic cap and empty the canister completely.
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CARPETING (NYLON FIBER).The Carpet America Recovery Effort estimates that 5 billion pounds of carpeting went to landfills in 2003. Go to www.carpetrecovery.org and click on "What can I do with my old carpet?" to find a carpet-reclamation facility near you, or check with your carpet's manufacturer. Some carpet makers, like Milliken, Shaw (www.shawfloors.com), and Flor (www.flor.com), have recycling programs.
The store opened on Thursday last week in Union Square -- a prime location in the heart of the city. A "Launch Event" took place on Wednesday night where local media, vendors, CB2 corporate, and store associates gathered to celebrate the new opening. FLOR sponsored the "red carpet" of CB2's new exclusive Zebra Crossing tiles. 500+ attendees toured the store throughout the evening.
Amicus Green Building Center located in Kensington, MD has a been a loyal retail partner of FLOR's since 2005. Owner Jason Holstine was recently interviewed by NBC about the benefits of using "green products" in the home. FLOR's modular benefits and recycle program were highlighted in this "how to" segment.
FLOR is a proud participant of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry’s new green exhibit: “Smart Home: Green + Wired”, which runs from May 8 - January 4, 2009.
"The home has a master bedroom and two secondary bedrooms as well as a master bath, full bath and first-floor powder room. The first floor has an open floor plan with the kitchen opening to the family room (it's defined by a work island) then into the dining room and then the living room. A pair of large, accordion, glass doors open to a covered outdoor dining terrace. The attached 2-car garage, which is covered in carpet tiles by Chicago-based FLOR, does double duty as a theater room and has a television projector, a large screen for viewing and brown hemp bean bags to sit on.
Lou Manfredini "Mr Fix it" showcased FLOR on NBC's Today Show during the New Floor New Look segment.
"Another option comes from FLOR, a company that makes modular carpet tiles that can be used to make area rugs or wall-to-wall floor covering. It is available in several styles that produce countless arrangements anywhere in your home. The prices start at $7 a tile. These tiles are perfect for people with pets or a growing family. If they get dirty (spilled soda or a pet’s mistake) the single tile can be lifted and easily cleaned in the sink or, if necessary, replaced. These tiles are environmentally friendly too; both the fiber and the backing are recyclable and can be made into a new product. The company guarantees that returned tiles will not end up in a landfill. With their "return and recycle" program, you pack up your used tiles and give them a call to have them picked up for free. The tiles will be returned to their distribution center in Georgia where they will be reused and turned into new carpet tiles. "
The Real Simple Top 120 Products : From the mundane to the magical, a selection of products editors can’t live without.
FLOR was featured as one of the must-have household goods.
FLOR Carpet tiles, $9 to $14 for a 20 - inch tile if you can never find a rug that's perfect for you, design one yourself. These tiles come in hundreds of patterns and colors and are easy to put together, whether you want a sweet little area rug or full-on wall-to-wall carpeting. TO BUY: www.flor.com
We were so excited to see that FLOR was featured in the November issue of GQ. FLOR's product, SPROUT shown in color Bittersweet, was the rug of choice.
Once again, FLOR is proving it's ease, versatility and cool modern design.
" Carpet tiles have been used in office buildings and airports for decades, but FLOR was one of the first companies to make them appropriate for the home by introducing plusher piles and idiot-proof installation(the tiles attach to one another with stickers.) The tiles can be detached and cleaned individually(we've scrubbed ours in the kitchen sink) or, in a worst-case scenario, replaced(FLOR recycles old tile for free) without junking the other 98 percent of the rug. Beverage-related mishaps, therefore, become less grave."
