That questions could definitely generate some debate. Most people think that linoleum, being an all natural product is better for the environment than synthetic vinyl. I read in an article awhile ago that the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded that vinyl, overall is actually better for the environment. It uses less energy to manufacturer, has a longer lifetimes and is often recycled into new flooring, there were probably a few other reasons that I am forgetting...