"You must be the change you wish to see in the world".


General Guidelines for Purchasing Carpet

By Incorporating environmental considerations into the purchasing of carpet, the purchaser is taking an active role in managing used carpet, thereby reducing the effect on the environment.
  • Recycling options for your old carpet. Does the vender or manufacture offer a program to service, reuse or recycle worn / used carpet and new scraps from the installation process.

  • Reduce Waste. Carpet tile has a distinct advantage over roll carpet; they can be individually removed for cleaning, rotated (to eliminate uneven wear) or replace damaged tile giving the carpeting a longer useful life span. Alternatives to carpet such as VCT, Hard tile, stained, sealed or polished  concrete may be a better choice in terms of replacement and maintenance costs.

  • Recyclability and recycled content. Consider the ability of the carpet to be recovered later and also take into consideration the amount of recycled or posted consumer content in the new carpet.

  • Materials. Chose the best type of face fiber, density, and backing options. Carefully look at density and durability of the carpet , traffic flow, and the average time of lease renewal.

  • Price. Consider the "Best Value" when determining the lowest cost. Best value considers not only the lowest price for the carpet and installation , but also the environmental attributes for the carpet and its life span which may result in significant cost savings over a period of time.
By Definition:

Environmentally Preferable - "Products or services the have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, resue, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service."
SBA - EDWOSB