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Most carpets have toxic chemical emissions called VOCs (volatile organic compounds).  The most common VOC in carpet is called 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH), which is a byproduct of the latex binder used to secure the carpet fibers to the backing.  One way to identify carpets and adhesives that have low VOCs is to look for carpets with a Green Label Plus certification from the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute), which uses an independent, certified laboratories for all testing.

Studies have shown that carpet is better at trapping allergens than hard surface floors, because carpet fibers catch particles and allergens that fall to floor. When allergens are trapped in the carpet, they can't circulate in the air for you to breathe. Proper cleaning sucks up the dirt and dust from the carpet and keeps it out of the air.

Carpet can also help you to save energy and water.  Carpet insulates up to 17 times better and requires up to 40% less water for cleaning than other flooring options.

• Choose CRI Green Label Plus certified carpets.  Find products with the certification at the CRI website (www.carpet-rug.org).
• Check out green floor tiles by FLOR (www.flor.com).  They are 20-inch squares of carpet made with renewable and recycled materials.  Use the tiles to cover a whole room, create an area rug or design a runner.  They come in close to 150 styles/patterns and a rainbow of colors, so you can get really creative.
• Avoid carpet pads that use styrenebutadiene rubber - use felt padding instead.
• If installation requires gluing down the carpet, use low-emitting, non-solvent adhesives.
• Be sure to recycle your old carpets and rugs.  The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) is a joint industry-government effort to increase the amount of recycling and reuse of post-consumer carpet and reduce the amount of waste carpet going to landfills.  Find a carpet reclamation location in your area at www.carpetrecovery.org.

In 2007, the carpeting industry shipped over 1.6 billion square yards (14.4 billion square feet) of carpet.  It also spent more than $400 million to improve sustainability.

I love Shaw's Top Talent line.  It's CRI Green Label Plus certified and feels oh so luxurious on your bare feet.  Check out all of Shaw's eco-friendly options at www.shawfloors.com.