• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

ecoresin by 3Form Plastic sheets and panels, various products available with 40% to 100% recycled content. Clarity ranges from translucent to solid; patterns and colors also available.   IceStone Durable surfaces made from recycled glass and concrete. Certified Cradle to Cradle by MBDC   Sandhill Tiles Tiles made from 100% recycled glass. Available in many colors and textures.   Bedrock Industries Tiles, tumbled glass and other products made from 100% recycled glass.   Aurora Glass Tiles, architectural accents and other products made from 100% recycled... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

AFM SafeChoice 3 in 1 Adhesive Safecoat 3 in 1 Adhesive is a low odor, not toxic, water-based adhesive designed for hard composition wall and floor tiles and carpeting. AFM Safecoat Caulking Compound Safecoat Caulking Compound is a not-toxic, water-based, elastic emulsion type caulking compound designed to replace oil caulk and putty for windows, cracks and general maintenance work. It will not dry out or crack and does not release any solvents or obnoxious odors. Safecoat Caulking Compound provides a water resistant, flexible, easy to install, non sag sealant with... read more

• Last updated 2/1/11 by teej

Why Products Containing Formaldehyde Should be Avoided Pressed wood products (hardwood plywood wall paneling, particleboard, fiberboard) commonly contain formaldehyde resins. "Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

Natural Textiles Organic Cotton   Production experts report that organic cotton fibers have the same fiber strength, length and other properties as conventional cotton. Organic cotton is produced in organic agricultural systems that produce food and fiber according to clearly established standards. Organic agriculture prohibits the use of toxic and persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers, as well as genetically modified organisms. It seeks to build biologically diverse agricultural systems, replenish and maintain soil fertility, and promote a healthy environment.... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

Kirei Made from the stalks of sorghum left over after the cereal crop is harvested. The stalk fibers are held together by a combination of non-VOC, non-toxic adhesive and heat pressing. Homasote Wallboard made from recycled paper. Agriboard Made from compressed wheat and rice straw. PaperStone Composite material made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper and non-petroleum resins. Dakota Burl Composite board made from sunflower hulls. Can also be stained with conventional stains. Biofiber Wheat Composite board made from wheat straw. Microstrand Industrial grade... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

"No material brings nature indoors better than wood. At the same time, almost half of the world's original forests have been cut down (approximately 7.4 billion acres), and an average of 39.5 million acres are added to the loss column each year. The destruction of forests releases tons of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas and culprit behind global climate change, into the Earth's atmosphere. Deforestation also reduces the diversity of plant and animal species in these rich habitats.   "The U.S. leads the way in wood consumption, representing almost one third of the... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

"As a rule, materials from renewable sources should be specified. For example, timber displaying the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark is from a managed forest which does not deplete the resource. Minimum processing is involved in its extraction and manufacture, consequently it also has the advantage of low embodied energy.   "Materials that are easily biodegradable should be specified over those that take many years to break down. Materials should also be chosen that do not release toxins into the environment as they decompose.   "To reduce pollution, the toxicity... read more

• Last updated 4/20/08 by vegipowrd

The following principles of sustainable design were penned by William McDonough, author of Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. These guidelines serve as an excellent place to start on the path to understanding sustainable design in any field. 1. Insist on rights of humanity and nature to co-exist in a healthy, supportive, diverse and sustainable condition. 2. Recognize interdependence. The elements of human design interact with and depend upon the natural world, with broad and diverse implications at every scale. Expand design considerations... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by stins

Basic tenents of sustainable design, as outlined in Sustainable Exhibit Design: Guidelines for designers for small scale interactive and traveling exhibits "In the simplest terms sustainable design should adhere to two main principles: 1. Minimising resource consumption 2. Reducing pollution.   Minimising resource consumption "Resources or raw materials can be classified as ‘renewable’ and ‘non- renewable’. Increasing the use of renewable resources over non- renewable ones is imperative. But even more important is the reduction in consumption as a whole.... read more

• Last updated 12/9/08 by stins

Sometimes you don't need all that visual stimulation to get solid green information.  These are some of the best of the green podcasts and radio shows out there. The Little Green People Show: Hosted by two "Eco Chicks" Laurene von Klan and Jill Riddell, this podcast is all about sustainable living.  Each episode answers listener questions, offers expert advice, and delivers commentary on all the opportunities and challenges faced by the average urban dweller trying to go green.    Living Green: Effortless Ecology for Everyday People: This podcast is hosted by Meredith... read more