Where do we get the red carpet? As design professional, I wondered who among the masses of manufacturers gets the “get” of the Presidential Inauguration? According to Mairi Beautyman of INTERIOR DESIGN., the official carpet chosen for the inaugural podium was provided by Bentley Prince Street.

I wasn’t surprised, as this is a familiar vendor that we primarily use in corporate environments. The carpet trade has come under fire in recent years, as consumers constantly are looking for a “greener” solution while still maintaining beauty and durability.

Ms. Beautyman writes:
“The manufacturer also supplied an environmentally friendly carpet to the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball, held on January 19th. Billed as climate neutral, the green carpet is certified to the gold level of NSF-140, the Sustainable Carpet Assessment Standard, and made with 10 percent post-consumer recycled content and 100 percent renewable electrical energy. To completely offset its climate impact, Bentley Prince Street purchased emission reduction credits through its Cool Carpet program.

Both carpets will be recycled via the manufacturer’s Rentry 2.0 program, saving 500 pounds of landfill waste.

“Bentley Prince Street is proud to participate in this historic moment for our nation and all it represents for the opportunity ahead,” says Anthony Minite, president of Bentley Prince Street. “And it was an honor to provide a truly green carpet for the first ever Green Inaugural Ball–a true celebration of both the inauguration and our own sustainability mission.”