On September 10, 2007, Suzanne Webber wrote:

As a member of the Massachusets Woodlands Coop, I was disappointed to see your wood listing does not say “renewable resource” as does the one for bamboo.  FSC certified wood is renewable and when locally grown, sustains the forest landscape of our local regions.

Please look at our website.  http://www.masswoodlands.coop

HomeGrown Wood™ introduces FSC certified hardwood flooring eligible for two LEED credits.  Seven native hardwood species are quality tongue-and-groove milled with character effects to reveal the beauty of the native forest.  All the wood is grown and milled within a 50 mile radius for exceptionally low embodied energy.  Mixed-width boards encourage fast regeneration; character grade allows the best use of the harvest to sustain family-owned forests.  Beautiful hardwoods, locally grown, milled to last. 

In the US, bamboo is not the best option.  Support local products first to have the deepest green.

On January 8, 2008, James R. Remuzzi wrote:

"Conventional forestry causes overharvesting and destruction of habitat” This is a severely limited view of forestry.  While there are instances of commercial forestry having a net negative impact, the reality is that the majority of forestry happening in the world helps to provide critical wildlife habitat along with the goods we all use everyday.  (toilet paper, asprin, cardboard, toothpaste, to name but a few).  In addtion these managed forests help to filter our drinking water and sequester carbon from the atmosphere.  Forestry has come a long way in the 200 years it has been practiced in the U.S.  To date, there is no other resource that can be managed sustainably to deliver the triple bottom line of economic, ecologic, and social benefits.  Without these managed forests, our rural areas will continue to be converted into strip malls and bedroom communities.  Use certified wood products in your home and support the original renewable resource.

On January 30, 2008, Dana Jones wrote:

I was also disappointed to see that under your carpet category you do not mention the one LEED approved soft floor covering.  Wool Carpet.  It’s renewable, biodegradeable, extremely easy to clean and lasts for years.  Wool carpet is actually used in hospitals and in some EPA facilities because of the inherent characterisitcs it has to clean and purify the air we breathe in a home or commercial environment.  It also does not emit off gasses and does not burn which is why it is also used in hotels, casinos, cruise ships, and the United States Navy and Coast Guard.

Area rugs and carpet tiles, especially those made from synthetic products, are not great choices.  Carpet tiles generally are made out of 100% synthetic petroleum based goods.  Synthetic carpets and rugs and carpet tiles not only add to the landfill, but use an incredible amount of energy to make.  Wool carpets and rugs help control indoor air humidity also cutting down on energy costs.  Anyone looking for a renewable flooring product that will last for years and provide comfort and safety underfoot should consider a wool product

On March 31, 2008, Heather wrote:

I would love to see further information regarding the green considerations for these products in terms of installation.  For example, what impact does the glue used to afix linoleum have?

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