Approved by Subject Editors on August 04, 2004

Reviewed by Debra Lynn Dadd

AFM was one one of the first to make less-toxic products. To make low-toxic products is their intent, not a sideline. So the benefit here is that it is one of the least toxic flooring adhesives you can buy.

Approved by Subject Editors on August 09, 2005

Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004

Reviewed by PeterS

AFM strives to be an industry leader in low-VOC, low-toxin paints and finishes. Manufactured in Los Angeles and distributed widely, they are relatively 'local to the western states. It is not known what energy consumption and waste stream impacts occur during manufacture, comparable to other paint companies. In the current wolrd of paints, Safecoat stands above most others. Formulated specifically to minimize airbone byproducts, this paint is quite benign.

Approved by Subject Editors on August 11, 2004

Reviewed by Cassandra Adams

This product is manufactured in a fairly similar manner to non-environmental products in terms of energy consumption and raw materials inputs. However, it differs in that it contains as few toxic ingredients as possible, no formaldehyde, and no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so it is much less harmful to those who work with it during the manufacturing and installation phases, as well as to the end user. It is well tolerated by many people who have chemical sensitivities. This product is among the most environmentally mindful sealants available

Approved by Subject Editors on July 06, 2005

Reviewed by Cassandra Adams

For environmental considerations, order this product to be fabricated of FSC-certified maple or cherry. This company's finishes are a mixture of tung, linseed, and soybean oils. All these oils are natural but they do offgas VOCs, so people with chemical sensitivities may not be able to tolerate them.

Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004

Reviewed by Lydia Corser

In April, 1998 Wiggers received certification from the Smartwood arm of Rainforest Alliance, which uses the guidelines of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to promote the sensible use of sustainably harvested woods through chain-of-custody documentation. Wiggers' selection and use of woods place great emphasis on the resulting impact to trees and forests in general. For over 25 years Wiggers' cabinet-making philosophy has been one that utilizes veneered construction, since veneers allow for higher yields and thereby require far fewer trees to build a typical piece of furniture. Maximum effort is also given to minimize waste in the Shop. Glass, metals, paper and cardboard get separated for recycling into new materials, while sawdust and wood scraps are given away to a local recycler for use as fuel. Organic wastes are composted on site. Wiggers' satin and high gloss finishes are both based on high solids formulations, which rely on catalyzed curing methods as opposed to solvent evaporation. This means that far fewer V.O.C.s (volatile organic compounds) are emitted into the atmosphere in the form of lacquer thinners and other solvents.

Approved by Subject Editors on July 06, 2005

Reviewed by Cassandra Adams

For environmental considerations, order this product to be fabricated of FSC-certified maple or cherry. This company's finishes are a mixture of tung, linseed, and soybean oils. All these oils are natural but they do offgas VOCs, so people with chemical sensitivities may not be able to tolerate them.

Approved by Subject Editors on August 13, 2004

Reviewed by Cassandra Adams

Vetrazzo products (a type of terrazzo) are individually cast for use as interior finishes. These products consist of 80-95% recycled glass, so there is a significant reduction in the amount environmental impacts due to raw material extraction. In addition, these products are locally produced (Berkeley, California), so that the energy consumed in their transport is also reduced. Terrazzo releases few, if any, emissions into the indoor environment, and its hard surface allows it to be thoroughly cleaned with ease. Terrazzo floors and tiles are among the best-tolerated by people with chemical sensitivities or chronic respiratory ailments. Terrazzo is extremely durable, comparable to concrete and stone, although it requires occasional maintenance.

Approved by Subject Editors on September 02, 2005

Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004

Reviewed by Lydia Corser

Furnature is careful to use lumber companies that practice sustainable harvesting, although they are not able to get the quantities needed for everyday operations in certified lumber. Furnature provides upholstered pieces where the lumber is certified sustainably harvested upon specification. From a human health perspective, few companies do a better job than they; since their origin in 1994, they have focused on reducing and eliminating toxicity of their bedding, upholstered goods, and now case goods. From a human health perspective, few companies do a better job than Furnature; since their origin in 1994, they have focused on reducing and eliminating toxicity of their bedding, upholstered goods, and now case goods.