| There are many products on the market that claim | | | | time, money and energy on repairs at a later date. |
| to be green. It is up to you to determine which | | | | Embodied Energy - This is the energy used to |
| products are green and which are not. Beware of | | | | produce, transport and install a product or material in |
| "green washing"! Many products are advertised as | | | | the place where it will be used. Choose local products |
| green, but after review really do not live up to their | | | | when possible and products that do not require a |
| claims. Here are 7 factors to consider when selecting | | | | large amount of energy to produce. |
| green or sustainable products and materials for your | | | | Air Quality - Products like carpet, cabinetry, plywood |
| project. | | | | and paint can contain petroleum products or |
| Renewability - Are the products made from material | | | | formaldehyde and off gas VOCs (Volatile Organic |
| that is rapidly renewable such as cork or bamboo? | | | | Compounds). There are now many products available |
| Wood products are also a renewable resource. | | | | that give off little or no VOCs. These products will |
| Choose wood products that are FSC (Forest | | | | give you a healthier home to live in. When you are |
| Stewardship Council) certified. Many engineered wood | | | | not able to find suitable products, ventilate the new |
| products are made from fast growing trees such as | | | | or remodeled space prior to moving into it. Open |
| aspen and require less wood to make them than | | | | windows and doors when possible to remove the |
| conventional lumber. | | | | VOCs from the home. |
| Recycled Content - Using material with recycled | | | | Waste Reduction - Choose material that does not |
| content not only reduces strain on our landfills, but | | | | create a lot of waste and can be used efficiently. |
| reduces the need for raw material. Paper, cardboard, | | | | Order material in sizes and lengths that are efficient |
| plastic, steel and aluminum are a few of the most | | | | for your job. |
| commonly recycled materials. Recycled paper is used | | | | Some products may be green in one area but not in |
| in cellulose insulation and paper countertops. Plastic is | | | | another. Example: Although it is very durable, brick |
| used in carpet. Metals that are recycled can be made | | | | has a high embodied energy because of the energy |
| into their original form. | | | | used to fire the kilns and transport it. It would be a |
| Reusability and Recyclability - Many products, such as | | | | greener option for someone in North Carolina than |
| metals, can be recycled after their useable life. | | | | someone in New York because the clay that is used |
| Others can be salvaged and reused somewhere else. | | | | to make it is a local product. Use these 7 factors and |
| Durability - Choose products that will stand the test | | | | your best judgement to determine which green |
| of time and require little maintenance. This will save | | | | products are the best for your project. |