• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

Designing for Disassembly "What's the best future we can imagine for our disused stuff? We can design things to be disassembled, but the ultimate strategy would use excellent materials, easy to recover - and ward the landfill off in perpetuity. The goal is the closed loop, in which objects are continuously remade, spiraling upward in quality and harmlessness. This is the trash of the finest ingredients, reflecting the fact that things can't last forever, and that fashions, in fact, change frequently... Making things easy to take apart also makes them easy to repair."... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

Design for reuse and a second life   Museum exhibitions are usually one-shot deals, with components custom designed and fabricated for use in only one exhibition. Few designers consider what will happen to the components when that exhibition has run its course. For example, what happens to traveling exhibitions, which often are designed and built for a three- to six-year life, when they complete their tour? Sometimes, museums will take them as semi-permanent exhibitions. Sometimes no one wants them. And what happens to their crates? They, too, are usually custom built.... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

Closing the Loop "Products can be designed so that their individual components are easily retrieved at the end of their life; this can be instrumental in facilitating recycling and reuse of materials. Designing for the reuse of materials is one way of reducing the amount of material destined for landfill.   "In exhibition design waste can be greatly reduced if an exhibition is designed for disassembly. To do so successfully designers must consider disassembly from the conception stage. They should determine who will be responsible for dismantling the exhibit and... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

Introduction "The way a product is manufactured may be as important as the product itself, especially when considering its environmental impact and potential health risks. When wood products carry the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification label, consumers can be confident that the product's chain of custody (all stages of production, distribution and sales) have been independently evaluated and held to standards that protect not only forest ecology but the rights of workers and indigenous peoples as well. And with regard to personal health, the issue is less... read more

• Last updated 5/17/11 by teej

Background Information Steel Recycling Steel is the world most recycled material, with almost 76 million tons of steel recycled in the U.S. in 2006. Every ton of steel that is recycled saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone. New steel made with recycled material uses as little as 26 percent of the energy required to make steel from raw materials extracted from nature. (For more information, see Steel Takes LEED With Recycled Content at www.recycle-steel.org.) Aluminum Recycling Aluminum is also recycled extensively... read more

• Last updated 4/9/08 by alanwells

Introduction Bioplastics are a form of plastics derived from sources such as plant oils and starches, rather than petroleum.   Note about acrylic: During the course of research for this project, we were unable to find a material suitable for replacing clear acrylic for use in museum environments. Bioplastic technology does not seem to be refined enough to produce this kind of product. The current best option for replacing acrylic seems to be using traditional glass - for its clarity, durability and recyclability. Update: Though not offering a definite substitute for... read more

• 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