Green Products & Materials
Green products and materials are more expensive than non-green products. Many conventional building materials contain hazardous chemicals which linger even after the building process is finished. For example, most paints contain volatile organic compounds (gases emitted by the paints) that can stay in the air for extended periods of time. As part of the overall industry shift towards the production and use of materials that are non-toxic, paints have been developed to exclude harmful chemicals. There are also many electrical and lighting appliances which save energy and are esthetically pleasing.
There exists a variety of hardwood flooring alternatives approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a not-for-profit-organization that certifies forest products. Many of these are available as an alternative to carpet, which can harbor dust and other allergens that may cause irritation for those with health sensitivities. Some flooring is similar to conventional laminate and comes in a variety of colors and wood finishes, such as oak, maple and hickory. Bamboo, the fastest growing member of the grass family, is a popular and sustainable alternative to wood. When bamboo is treated correctly, it hardens and is extremely durable. It is an excellent substitute for flooring, scaffolding, and metal rods in concrete.
