Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004

Reviewed by Eric Freed

Endura Certified Wood comes from FSC certified wood sources in Oregon. Endura is deeply committed to our environment. Wood is all natural and renewable.

If left unfinished, it can be protected with mineral oil (as with butcherblock cabinets). To finish wood, use a water based, VOC free sealer. Wood will wear and age with use, which adds to its character. It can be sanded and finished and last a long time if properly maintained. However, it will stain, etch and scratch. In addition, standing water will stain and warp the surface.

Approved by Subject Editors on June 01, 2005

Reviewed by Cassandra Adams

This company produces a variety of lumber-based products (construction lumber, flooring, millwork, custom cabinetry, butcherboard table and counter tops) that are manufactured from a variety of sustainably-obtained wood and fiber materials. These include FSC-certified lumber; salvaged/ reclaimed/ re-used lumber; fast-growing bamboo and wheat-board; and under-utilized tropical species. They use low-VOC finishes.

Approved by Subject Editors on July 15, 2005

Reviewed by Marian Keeler

EnviroPLANK is an epoxy-based terrazzo tile using recycled glass. The size of the "tiles" is 6" x 36" x 3/8" (nominal), really more of a "plank" style, hence the name, for flooring areas under 1500 square feet. The benefit is that these tiles can be pre-manufactured instead of being poured on site, thus minimizing VOC emissions from the product in its liquid state. The other EnviroGLAS product is a poured in place version (see companion review) which does pose some exposure potential to both installer and homeowner.

The environmental benefits of EnviroPLANK hover predominantly around the resource efficiency side. The glass aggregate used to make the product is 100% post-use (a mixture of both post-consumer and post-industrial glass) and the aggregate comprises 75% of the product. Up to 100% post-consumer glass can be specified but the color choices will be limited primarily to greens and browns in eight-ten color choices. The binder can be custom colored. The manufacturer believes a minimum of 50% post consumer glass is contained in the floor, unless otherwise specified. Its long life, approximately 40+ years, is also the herald of a resource efficient material. Because the product is extremely durable once poured and cured, the floor can be considered sustainable. The manufacturer claims that it won't chip, stain, burn or support bacterial growth. Terrazzo floors are also easy to maintain, requiring only a damp mop except in high traffic areas. After their useful life, they can be ground up and in theory, used to create new floors. LCA has not been conducted on this product..

As to its IAQ impacts, EnviroPLANK is inert once cured and the manufacturer claims that it does not contain VOCs, chlorinated compounds, no known carcinogens or teratogens. It conforms to the Green Guide for Healthcare standards, a rating system that is based on the USGBC's LEED rating system. (www.gghc.org and www.usgbc.org). Other terrazzo manufacturers have used a cementitious base for their matrix, EnviroPLANK's is epoxy-based, which does carry some IAQ concerns. Using epoxy avoids the issue of the alakali-silica reaction between glass and concrete, but epoxies frequently contain phenols and xylenes, two VOCs that should be avoided. One of the binders used for the poured-in-place product, EnviroGLAS Terrazzo, does contain xylene, but since the local installer will source the binder, the customer is able to specify using a xylene-free binder. Air sampling of a new building in Dallas where EnviroGLAS was installed was recently conducted, showing "good" air quality, according to the manufacturer. EnviroGLAS does plan on doing emissions testing at some point.

The product needs to be installed by a qualified professional tile setter using manufacturer ecommended mortar and grouts.

Approved by Subject Editors on July 15, 2005

The Subject Editor review of this product is in process. Please check back.

Approved by Subject Editors on March 28, 2005

Reviewed by Debra Lynn Dadd

Reclaimed wood is wood that has already been used for another purpose, and has been salvaged for another use. Almost all reclaimed wood is higher-grade wood than the newly-harvested wood sold today--with more beauty, stability, clarity, and density--as it was originally harvested from old-growth forests. Using reclaimed wood leaves forests standing, protecting trees, the watershed, and habitat for wildlife and understory plants. Generally, less embodied energy is used to create reclaimed wood products than to create new wood products or plastic lumber, concrete, or steel. Even reclaimed wood shipped via boat from other continents still contain less embodied energy compared to domestic manufactured products, as sea freight is very energy efficient. TerraMai also does everything they can to keep the financial benefits of reclaiming wood close to community where the wood came from. Wood is an ideal choice for indoor air quality when a nontoxic or natural finish is applied. It's easy to clean and keep dust-free.

Approved by Subject Editors on August 04, 2004

Reviewed by Marian Keeler

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) procedures minimize waste and selectively harvest trees. Locally sourced species (West coast) are preferred. Significant energy used for logging, prep and transportation & production of adhesives. Hardwoods are more energy intensive than softwoods to harvest and produce.

Stock should be factory sealed. Site (field) applied sealer is an indoor air quality (IAQ) hazard. Adhesives should be low/no-VOC water based products.

Approved by Subject Editors on July 22, 2005

Reviewed by marycordaro

The Keim Mineral Systems paint line is one of the most sustainable, durable, protective, vapor permeable, and long lasting of all the natural paints on the market today. The product components of Keim paints are primarily a potassium silicate binder system with pure geologic mineral pigments. They are designed to penetrate and actually consolidate with substrates. (Only one of their many products contains a small amount of acrylic for better adhesion to exterior surfaces in highly humid areas.) The Keim products are also non-combustible, odorless and non allergenic, so they are great for the chemically sensitive, and an excellent, healthier option overall. Their impact to the environment from manufacturing is very low.

Because the Keim system was invented in 1878, there is actual proof that Keim paints last over 100 years, as seen on many building exteriors in extreme weather conditions in Europe. Designed for interior and exterior masonry surfaces, such as plaster, concrete, stucco, stone and other mineral substrates, they can also be applied to painted and unpainted paper covered drywall (with special prep, primer and application procedures). The colors are light reflective and colorfast, and the finishes create an attractive, flat, stone-like appearance. The finishes are 99% vapor permeable, even after a build-up of many coats, and including when used for exterior applications, yet their crystalline structure blocks wind driven rain, and protects against acid rain. The combination of water-resistance and vapor permeability also makes Keim an excellent paint for bathrooms and kitchens. (Excellent vapor permeability in finishes is highly desirable, so that moisture can easily and quickly move through and dry to either side of a wall, rather than becoming trapped and potentially causing finish failures and/or mold.) Because they are made with inorganic ingredients, the products are also mold resistant. Due to the absence of electrostatic charges from the painted surfaces, a benefit of natural finishes in general, the surfaces attract less dust, so they tend to stay cleaner. However, Keim paints are washable/scrubbable and easily cleaned.

The disadvantages of Keim paints are that they are not widely distributed, they are not appropriate for wood, metal or any flexible surfaces, and preparing existing painted surfaces, particularly on the exterior, may be extensive and expensive. In general, Keim paints are not ideally suited for surfaces that are already painted with multiple layers of other types of paints, whether water-based or oil-based. They should not be applied over finishes that act as vapor barriers, such as elastomeric, epoxy modified, or other paints designed to block or retard vapor transmission or chemical outgassing. Keim paints are much more expensive than conventional paints (about two and a half times the cost). However, since a Keim painted surface many only need a refresher coat every 20-30 years, for the right project, these paints are highly economical and sustainable over the long run.

Keim paints are most appropriate for new construction and/or previously unpainted interior or exterior substrates. For new interior drywall, the Keim company recommends first applying Ecosil Eco Dilution, which eliminates new drywall chalkiness, and then 2 coats of EcoSil finish coats. If painting over existing interior water-based paints, first apply EcoSil Grund (or base), then EcoSil finish coats. For previously painted oil-based surfaces, sanding to create a 'tooth' prior to priming is required. In either case, if there are already too many existing coats of paint, Keim may not be the right product, and the Keim technical expert can help make this determination over the phone. For exterior applications, it may be necessary to reduce layers of existing paint first, either by sanding, power washing or other means, to increase vapor permeability of the lower layers. (Before sanding any painted surface, always check first for lead-based paint. Do not disturb older layers of lead based paint, unless a trained professional implements proper lead-based paint abatement procedures.) The technical expert at Keim strongly recommends that the contractor or homeowner (whomever is actually performing the application) calls for detailed instructions, to first make sure that all particular considerations of the project are taken into account.

Keim paints are available in hundreds of colors. The company will also provide custom tinting. There are many types of products, each 'tweaked' for special situations and conditions. The Keim technical expert works closely with architects on specifications, as well as contractors, but will also work with the do-it-yourself homeowner to answer questions, and provide correct product recommendations and application procedures particular to the project.

Approved by Subject Editors on July 08, 2005

Reviewed by Cassandra Adams

These cabinets are fabricated of hardwood veneers overs a wheatboard core material (wheatboard is made of a rapidly renewable material). Some of their veneers are FSC-certified, so ask for those. Their glues are formaldehyde-free and low VOC.

Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004

Reviewed by Lydia Corser

The Joinery uses Collins Wood FSC Certified wood in their furniture construction. The company vigorously encourages and facilitates recycling. The Joinery uses recycled and/or reusable materials extensively in day-to-day operations, and 100 percent of energy use comes from wind power purchased through Renewable Northwest Project. The Joinery uses a proprietary formula that's basically an oil-based finish, with tung, linseed and other plant oils. Some chemically sensitive folks may have trouble with the finish, but much of the outgassing is complete by the time the furniture gets to the home.

Approved by Subject Editors on September 09, 2004

Reviewed by John Swearingen

Lime paint is simple whitewash--just lime and water put on the wall. Le Decor is a sophisticated version of Tom Sawyer's favorite paint. Le Decor's finely ground lime, is mixed with water to make CA(OH)3. Mineral pigments add color. Lime paints and plasters are alkaline and so are somewhat biocidal (think of the traditional whitewashed dairy barn), but otherwise inert. Although lime paints result in a slightly porus surface, the qualities of lime do not promote fungal and bacterial growth.

St. Astier is a French company that manufactures "natural hydraulic lime" (NHL) for mortars, plasters and paints.(http://www.transmineralusa.com/production_flash.html) NHL is no longer produced in America. NHL is generally easy to use and consistent in performance, and this is a high quality product with lots of testing and experience behind it.

Lime is baked in a kiln, a process that takes lots of energy and releases CO2 into the environment. However, lime cures by binding CO2 from the air, a process that mitigates the CO2 released in firing the lime. Lime is common and occurs widely in nature,, and so the impact of clean-up and disposal of lime paints is very small. Contact with the alkaline paint over the course of a day will burn skin, though, so gloves should be used.

In application, it's useful to think of Le Decor more as plaster applied with a brush than a paint. Like plaster, it should be applied to a porus, slightly dampened surface (which eliminates using over other paints or sealers). It should be allowed to dry slowly, protected from sun and rain for 48 hours.

Lime paint results in a relatively soft and porus surface (compared to tradition paint) that is subject to smudging and scratches. The wall can be sealed by using limestone and other sealers, but most sealers will still leave the wall soft and subject to abrasion. We've used clear or lightly pigmented casein paint over lime with good results.

Very rich, velvety colors can be produced using mineral pigments. The combination of natural lime and mineral pigments can result in a richness of colors and luminosity that can't be equaled in ordinary paint. All that and healthy, too!