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

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

Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004

Reviewed by Miriam Landman

AFM's manufacturing plant is in Los Angeles, which is relatively close to the Bay Area (compared to many other paint manufacturers), so this reduces the transportation distance to ship it to our region. AFM also strives to minimize the lifecycle impacts of its manufacturing process, and simply by virtue of using less toxic ingredients, its products are more ecological (in terms of manufacturing inputs and releases): better for public health, as well as occupant health.

AFM's paints and finishes were formulated for chemically sensitive people. They are not only very low-odor and low-VOC (zero-VOC options are also available) but are also free of other toxic ingredients and they are made to cure in a way that seals in offgassing. AFM's products may be the most healthful in the marketplace. They do not currently have any third-party certification of their low-VOC claims. However, it should be noted that third-party certification is expensive, so small companies like this one are rarely able to pay to have their products go through the certification process. AFM feels that their products have gone far beyond the Green Seal certification standards. Green Seal standards mostly cover governmentally 'regulated VOCs,' which were originally regulated for their photochemically reactive contribution to smog, not their effects on indoor air quality. Some of the regulated VOCs are fairly benign for indoor use, while there are a number of non-regulated VOCs (and other ingredients used in conventional paints) that are highly toxic.

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 Eric Freed

"Vetrazzo" is a terrazzo made from recycled glass and cast concrete. The glass used is both post consumer as well as post industrial. The final product contains 80 to 95% post-consumer recycled content, and as such, relies on the material being produced and consumed in the first place. When given a choice of manufacturers, preference should be given to local suppliers. As durable as granite and less porous than marble.

Approved by Subject Editors on September 02, 2005

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

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.