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The extent that you participate in the growing green movement is a personal preference.

Green Flooring Links

There are so many different ways to contribute to saving the planet. The more savvy you can be about products/services you use, the better. Today is the day you can start by changing 5 things in your life, then adding more next week until you find yourself as green as you can be! 

Collecting and processing secondary materials, manufacturing recycled-content products, and then purchasing recycled products creates a circle or loop that ensures the overall success and value of recycling. 

Step 1. Collection and Processing 
Collecting recyclables varies from community to community, but there are four primary methods: curbside, drop-off centers, buy-back centers, and deposit/refund programs.
Regardless of the method used to collect the recyclables, the next leg of their journey is usually the same. Recyclables are sent to a materials recovery facility to be sorted and prepared into marketable commodities for manufacturing. Recyclables are bought and sold just like any other commodity, and prices for the materials change and fluctuate with the market.

Step 2. Manufacturing 
Once cleaned and separated, the recyclables are ready to undergo the second part of the recycling loop. More and more of today’s products are being manufactured with total or partial recycled content. Common household items that contain recycled materials include newspapers and paper towels; aluminum, plastic, and glass soft drink containers; steel cans; and plastic laundry detergent bottles. Recycled materials also are used in innovative applications such as recovered glass in roadway asphalt (glassphalt) or recovered plastic in carpeting, park benches, and pedestrian bridges.

Step 3. Purchasing Recycled Products
Purchasing recycled products completes the recycling loop. By “buying recycled,” governments, as well as businesses and individual consumers, each play an important role in making the recycling process a success. As consumers demand more environmentally sound products, manufacturers will continue to meet that demand by producing high-quality recycled products. Set up your families free personalized in-home Green flooring design appointment:  NOW

Green Links

US Green Building 

LEED Certification 

Green Seal 

Green Building Pages 

Independent Certification Sources

Professional Trade Organizations 

The Green Guide

Tree Hugger’s guide on how to go green

Yahoo Green

Earth Force

EPA

Green Home Guide
 

Green Tips

1. Avoid ozone-depleting chemicals in mechanical equipment and insulation.

• CFCs have largely been phased out, but their primary replacements—HCFCs– also damage the ozone layer and should be avoided where possible.
• Reclaim CFCs when servicing or disposing of equipment and, if possible, take CFC based foam insulation to a recycler who can capture CFCs.

2. Use durable products and materials.

• Because manufacturing is very energy-intensive, a product that lasts longer or requires less maintenance usually saves energy.
• Durable products also contribute less to our solid waste problems.

3. Choose low-maintenance building materials.

• Where possible, select building materials that will require little maintenance (painting, re-treatment, waterproofing, etc.), or whose maintenance will have minimal environmental impact.

4. Choose building materials with low embodied energy.

• One estimate of the relative energy intensity of various materials (by weight) is as follows: Lumber = 1, Brick = 2, Cement = 2, Glass = 3, Fiberglass = 7, Steel = 8, Plastic = 30, Aluminum = 80 — source: Building and Environment vol. 17 no. 1

5. Buy locally produced building materials.

• Transportation is costly in both energy use and pollution generation. Look for locally produced materials to replace products imported to your area.

6. Use building products made from recycled materials.

• Reduce landfill pressure and save natural resources by using salvaged materials: lumber, millwork, certain plumbing fixtures, and hardware, for example.
• Make sure these materials are safe, and don’t sacrifice energy efficiency or water efficiency by reusing old windows or toilets.

7. Use salvaged building materials when possible.

• Reduce landfill pressure and save natural resources by using salvaged materials: lumber, millwork, certain plumbing fixtures, and hardware, for example.
• Make sure these materials are safe (test for lead paint and asbestos).

Don’t sacrifice energy efficiency or water efficiency by reusing old windows or toilets.

8. Seek responsible wood supplies.

• Use lumber from independently certified well-managed forests.
• Avoid lumber products produced from old growth timber when acceptable alternative exist. Engineered wood can be substituted for old growth Douglas fir, for example.
• Don’t buy tropical hardwoods unless the seller can document that the wood comes from well managed forests.

9. Avoid materials that will off gas pollutants.

• Solvent based finishes, adhesives, carpeting, particleboard, and many other building products release formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds into the air. These chemicals can affect workers’ and occupants’ health as well as contribute to smog and ground level ozone pollution outside.

10. Minimize use of pressure-treated lumber.

• Use detailing that will prevent soil contact and rot.
• Where possible, use alternatives such as recycled plastic lumber.
• Take measure to protect workers when cutting and handling pressure treated wood, and never burn scraps.

11. Minimize packaging waste.

• Avoid excessive packaging, such as plastic-wrapped plumbing fixtures or fasteners that aren’t available in bulk. Tell your supplier why you are avoiding over-packaged products. Keep in mind, however, that some products must be carefully packaged to prevent damage and resulting waste.

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