Sustainable Flooring for a Greener Home

2025-04-15, Laura Neito

This Earth Day 2025, we’re shining a light on one of the best ways to make your home more planet-friendly: choosing sustainable flooring. At CALI, we believe beautiful design and eco-conscious living can and should go hand in hand. Whether you’re renovating your whole home or updating a single room, we offer plenty of flooring options that are specially crafted to support your style and the environment.

View Mocha Bamboo Flooring

What is the Most Eco-Friendly Flooring?

The most eco-friendly flooring options are those made from rapidly renewable resources, recycled materials, or designed to last for decades without needing replacement. These materials minimize environmental impact by reducing waste, energy use, and the need for frequent replacements.

At CALI, we focus on three core types of sustainable flooring:

Eco-friendly bamboo flooring made from fast-growing, renewable bamboo
Laminate flooring made with recycled wood byproducts
Engineered hardwood crafted with a smarter, resource-efficient construction

Each option is designed with longevity, low emissions, and recyclability in mind, so you can feel good about your choice from day one.

View Mocha Bamboo Flooring

Why is Bamboo Flooring Eco-Friendly?

Sustainable bamboo flooring is one of the greenest choices available. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable grass that regenerates in just 5–7 years without needing replanting. Unlike traditional hardwood trees that take decades to mature, bamboo can be harvested without damaging the plant or the surrounding ecosystem.

CALI’s bamboo floors go a step further. We use a proprietary Fossilized® manufacturing process to create ultra-durable planks that resist wear, dents, and moisture—extending their lifespan and reducing waste. These planks are so strong, they score a 5,000+ on the Janka Hardness Test, outpacing all other traditional hardwoods. Our new bamboo floors even repurpose surplus bamboo material that would otherwise be discarded, turning it into stylish, modern flooring. It’s a win for your home and the planet.

Did You Know?
CALI started out as a bamboo fencing and flooring company? Read about our sustainable origins here.

View Sunlit Vine Hardwood Flooring

Is Hardwood or Laminate Flooring Eco-Friendly?

When sourced and manufactured responsibly, yes—hardwood, laminate, and even some vinyl flooring can be eco-friendly.

Hardwood

CALI’s engineered hardwood floor is responsibly sourced from Lacey Act-compliant forests, ensuring that every tree is harvested in a way that supports forest regeneration. The floors’ engineered construction uses a real hardwood top layer (usually European white oak) backed by a layered core made of a more renewable timber like acacia. This design makes better use of natural resources (getting up to 4x as much flooring from each oak tree) while still delivering authentic beauty. Plus, real wood flooring can be refinished and lasts for decades, reducing the need for replacements. For all these reasons CALI engineered hardwood is a sustainable flooring option.

Laminate

Our laminate floors—like those in the Mavericks, Santa Cruz, and Pacifica collections—incorporatereclaimed wood byproducts to form a high-density core, preventing usable materials from ending up in landfills. These planks are also lined with a recyclable XPS pad made of up to 50% recycled content, which helps to cushion steps and soften noise. Easy to install, ultra-durable, 100% waterproof, and low VOC, CALI laminate flooring is a smart solution for busy homes that need durable floors.

View Pillar Point Laminate Flooring

Best Eco-Friendly Flooring for Pets

If you have pets, you know that flooring needs to be tough—and cleanable. Our best eco-friendly flooring for pets includes:

Bamboo flooring is naturally harder than most hardwoods and resists scratches and moisture.
Laminate flooring offers stain resistance and a durable AC4-rated scratch-resistant surface that holds up to claws and messes

Each of these floors is built to last, easy to clean, and free from added formaldehyde—making them a healthier choice for both your family and your furry friends.

Read more about other pet-friendly flooring here.

Here are our top four picks for the best flooring for pets.

How to Make Eco-Friendly Renovations

Making eco-friendly renovations doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few simple ways to reduce your environmental footprint during your next project:

Choose long-lasting materials – Invest in flooring that won’t need to be replaced every few years.
Look for recycled content – Products that repurpose existing materials reduce waste and energy use.
Avoid harsh chemicals – Select low-VOC flooring and install with glue-free methods whenever possible. All CALI luxury laminate and vinyl floors can be clicked into place without any glue or nails.
Work with trusted partners – CALI’s commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability means you can feel confident in every plank.
Look for FloorScore certification – This means your floor is cleared to maintain healthier indoor air quality. Read more about FloorScore certification here.

Make Every Step Count

Sustainable flooring isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to make your home healthier and more responsible for the long haul. Consider how your choices underfoot can make a lasting impact. Explore CALI’s full lineup of sustainable bamboo flooring, eco-conscious laminate, and engineered hardwood to find the perfect style that aligns with your values.

Ready to get started?

Browse our sustainable flooring collections here!