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Eco-101
Being Green - A Primer
By Laura Meyer
Published: Dec 01, 2007
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DEL.ICIO.US
YAHOOThere is no question that the world is more eco-conscious. Green is no longer just within purview of the earthy-crunchy types; green is everywhere. It’s hip, it’s chic, being embraced by fashionistas, beauty suppliers, the home design and building industry and superstores alike. There are more products available than you can shake a redwood at. With words like “green,” “eco,” and “organic” now part of our daily vernacular, what does it really mean for a product to be “green?”
Let’s start with the premise that defining whether something is green is not an exact science. Generally, green products may or may not be inherently green in terms of raw materials or the manufacturing process utilized in their production, but will either save energy, conserve water, contribute to a healthy environment, including a healthy indoor environment, and/or protect natural resources. In general, most products advertised as being green fall within one or more the following categories:
Grown Organically – Foods grown organically and products made out of organic materials (such as clothing, bedding or towels made out of organic cotton and cosmetics made from organic plants) are considered green products because the food or material is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment and reduce the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers.
Made from Recycled Materials – One of the biggest ways to protect the environment and reduce our carbon footprint is to recycle and keep non-biodegradable materials out of landfills. Now we’re not just talking about what you choose to put in the recycling bin at home. Manufacturers of all kinds of things from clothing to carpeting and furniture are using recycled and salvaged materials. For example, one type of green carpeting is made out of used soda bottles. As another example, recycled tile can be made, in part, from glass waste from old windows, mirrors, and post-consumer glass-like bottles and jars.
Manufactured using Rapidly Renewable or Sustainable Materials – One of the biggest threats our environment faces is from the clear-cutting of forests for wood products. Once a forest is clear-cut, that ecosystem changes, affecting native plants and animals alike. It can take hundreds of years for that ecosystem to recover if it ever recovers at all.
Hence, the ever-growing popularity of wood substitutes for consumers who like the look of wood, as well as the move towards the use of other materials for things such as flooring and furniture. Bamboo is being touted as a great green flooring material and is being used more and more to replace hardwood. Bamboo matures in as little as three years, regenerates without the need for replanting, and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides. Other examples of rapidly renewable materials are cork (another material being used for flooring among other things) and textiles made out of sisal and hemp. Hemp (yes, related to marijuana and illegal to grow in the United States) is everywhere and can be used to make many things such as carpeting, cosmetics, toilet paper and even finely woven suits (such as the one Giorgio Armani created for actor Woody Harrelson).
Save Energy – This is a big category and, like organic products, one with which you may be more familiar. Products that use less energy, such as Energy Star-rated appliances (Energy Star is a joint program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy), efficient heating and cooling systems, florescent light bulbs (CFLs), and hybrid cars which use less gas are some of the most popular products. Products that help to conserve energy, such as particular types of windows and insulation, and products that produce energy, such as solar panels, are also becoming more popular in green building and remodeling.
Conserve Water – Water conservation is a huge green issue, as water supplies around the world are put under greater and greater stress. Low flow showerheads and faucets, dual flush toilets (which can save more water than low flow toilets) and water efficient dishwashers are all examples of products that are designed to conserve our precious water supply.
Contribute to Maintaining a Safe Environment (Including Your Indoor Environment) – It is now widely recognized that so many products we use in our homes and elsewhere to build, renovate and clean, among other things, are harmful to both our health and our environment. Alternative non-toxic products are available for everything from caulks, paints, sealers and carpet pads to non-toxic cleaning supplies, just to name a few.
As green goes more and more mainstream, the list of products available to us will surely grow and DAME promises to keep you at the eco-forefront.
Laura Meyer is author of Remodel This! A Woman’s Guide to Planning and Surviving the Madness of a Home Renovation and is a sought-after expert in the field of home improvement, appearing as a frequent television and radio talk show guest.
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