I am really interested in using "green" wall-to-wall carpet in a few areas in my home. I educated myself as well as I could from some websites, and felt confident when I went to my 2 local major home improvement stores that I would be able to find what I was looking for. I knew to look for the CRI Green Label Plus. However, after looking at literally ALL the carpet, I was disappointed. None of the carpet information listed the CRI label. I thought to ask the associate (at each store) if there was some sort of list they had or if they knew what I was talking about. There was no list, and they seemed clueless. I have looked at Fl*r tiles and ordered samples, but it is not as soft as I had hoped. I thought cork might be an interesting option, but all the samples I have seen seem more like hardwood than the soft-cushiony feel I have heard about. Can anyone tell me where I can get a good reliable list of CRI Green Label Plus carpets? I am open to suggestions of other products as well, for example low-VOC area rugs or something like that.

Here are some alternatives offered through the Environmental Home Center in Seattle. You can access this information online and perhaps find a local distributor.
Regards,
Kathryn Mills
All-natural wool carpet pad A traditional felt pad made of wool, mechanically bonded to jute. Made without adhesives, dyes or mothproofing for a safe and low-toxic product. Available in one thickness.
Nature's Carpet wool carpets New Zealand wool carefully handled to prevent contamination. It has a jute backing with natural latex adhesive. This is the least toxic carpet we’ve been able to find. No moth treatment.
Recycled-textile carpet pad A firmer pad, made from synthetic, recycled fibers. Four thickness options.
Safechoice carpet care system Three products that work together to seal in chemicals that could outgas from carpet fibers, backing or adhesive. Use on all carpets except wool. One product can be used alone as a carpet shampoo.
Safecoat 3 in 1 Adhesive A low-odor, low-toxic mastic-type adhesive. Designed for hard-composition floor and counter tiles made of ceramic materials, vinyl, parquet and slate. Can also be used for laminate and carpet.

Here are some on-line sources for Green product information, perhaps you'll find something here.

http://www.buildinggreen.com/menus/
http://www.ecofriend.org/
http://www.ecowise.com/
http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/green_building/
http://www.tomkt.com/main.html

Also check out the websites of major carpet manufacturers. Most are becoming very eco-conscious.

http://www.themohawkgroup.com/sitefiles/index.asp
http://www.millikencarpet.com/
http://www.tandus.com/
http://www.leescarpets.com/site/index.asp

Some of these might be links to commercial carpet sites, but they probably serve residential markets too. You may have to try a carpet or flooring retailer vs. the home improvement stores.
Good luck ...and good for you!

Elaine
Interior Design student

Check out Natural Home magazine and look at their ads/past articles/issues and proceed as to where the manufacturers have distibution. Check out any Green Building organizations in your state for possible info. That "eco" store in Seattle is a great source. I wish we had one in the NY area (we do in the Bronx but I don't think it's as big). Best of luck! Every little bit of green living counts!!!

There are several variables to consider in trying to find the green carpet you want besides the CRI label. What's your budget? I would suggest you go to your local Ethan Allen Design Center and look at the "Fabrica" line of carpet. It has pure latex backing (not cut with any silica or sand), a tighter twist of the yarn for better wear, and they can offer wall to wall goods as well as bound area rugs. Fabrica is top of the line in the carpet industry. If you'd like to know more or if for some reason the local Ethan Allen doesn't carry this product, please feel free to email me at laniez at gmail.com.

Elaine Robertson
Interior Designer, BFA

Thanks so much for all your responses! I will try looking at all these sites you suggested. My budget is not huge, but I am willing to spend a bit more for the "eco" carpet...I would consider anything up to $10 per square foot. I know that's considerably less than the true wool carpet I have run across online,but I still have lots of searching to do. I do need to mention that this carpet will need to hold up to heavy traffic...my dog loves to run up and down the hallway. I am partial to the frieze or longer cut-pile look. Oh, Organicgal, "GREEN BUILDING ORGANIZATIONS" in Arkansas? That makes me chuckle. I wish that were the case. You interior design people make me jealous...my dream job! Thanks again for all your help!!

If you are unable to find exactly what you want, you might want to check out PET polyester carpet- it is normally cheaper than polyester and it is made from recycled bottles and other plastic materials. It might be a good option for you, and depending on where you are in the country- wool might not be the best option. Wool is best in places like California, which is where you can find it at large retailers.

There is an environmentally friendly carpet which has only natural products, undyed wool, hemp and cotton backing, natural rubber and meets or exceeds m pill test for carpets and area rugs. Bio-floor is free of VOC's and is sold by square yard less than $70 dollars per square yard suggested retail and made in USA.
please e-mail me for more info.

We do not have a green list on our site:

http://www.carpet-wholesale.com

but if you call us, we can certainly put an inquiry on you behalf at the CRI.

800-548-5706 x107