Sin of the Hidden Trade-OFF
A claim suggesting that a product is ‘green’ based on a narrow set of attributes without attention to other important environmental issues. Paper, for example, is not necessarily environmentally-preferable just because it comes from a sustainably-harvested forest. Other important environmental issues in the paper-making process, such as greenhouse gas emissions, or chlorine use in bleaching may be equally important.
Sin of No Proof
An environmental claim that cannot be substantiated by easily accessible supporting information or by a reliable third-party certification. Common examples are facial tissues or toilet tissue products that claim various percentages of post-consumer recycled content without providing evidence.
Sin of Vagueness
A claim that is so poorly defined or broad that its real meaning is likely to be misunderstood by the consumer. ‘All-natural’ is an example. Arsenic, uranium, mercury, and formaldehyde are all naturally occurring, and poisonous. ‘All natural’ isn’t necessarily ‘green’.
Sin of Worshiping False Labels
A product that, through either words or images, gives the impression of third-party endorsement where no such endorsement exists; fake labels, in other words.
Sin of Irrelevance
An environmental claim that may be truthful but is unimportant or unhelpful for consumers seeking environmentally preferable products. ‘CFC-free’ is a common example, since it is a frequent claim despite the fact that CFCs are banned by law.
Sin of Lesser of Two Evils
A claim that may be true within the product category, but that risks distracting the consumer from the greater environmental impacts of the category as a whole. Organic cigarettes could be an example of this Sin, as might the fuel-efficient sport-utility vehicle.
Sin of Fibbing
Environmental claims that are simply false. The most common examples were products falsely claiming to be Energy Star certified or registered.
We are an Environmental Building Design and Supply Center in Newark, Delaware. To say we live and breathe "Green" would be an understatement With that in mind, we forward our random thoughts on all things sustainable.
6.09.2011
6.04.2011
27 Things to demand on your next building project
1. Every project should be a Passive Solar design, orient to the sun and use passive cooling.
2. Double the minimum amount of insulation required.
3. Use No-VOC and Formaldehyde-Free Paint. Use Solvent-Free Adhesives.
4. Use Low VOC, Water-Based Wood Finishes.
5. Use certified wood or finger-jointed wood for all finish trim.
6. If you must use drywall, use recycled content drywall. Try other natural wall finishes.
7.. Replace up to 35% of the Portland Cement in the concrete with Fly Ash.
8. Avoid vinyl products. Alternatives include rubber, linoleum, Cork, etc.
9. Specify a light color roof in warm regions.
10. Avoid particle board cabinets and use formaldehyde-free medium density fiberboard, plywood or wheat board for cabinet boxes.
11. Consider bamboo, reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood, and wheatboard for cabinet doors
and drawers, and sealed with a no- or low-volatile organic compound clear finish.
12. On-demand hot water system rather than a whole house re-circulating hot water loop.
13. Any new toilets should be dual flush type.
14. Recycle Job Site Construction and Demolition Waste. Change your general demolition notes to salvage all removed doors and windows for possible salvage or reuse.
15. Use thermally modified wood that does not contain Chromium, CCA or Arsenic for decking and sill plates.
16. Landscaping uses drip irrigation system to save water and indigenous plants.
17. Incorporate permeable paving at all driveways and exterior surfaces.
18. Reuse concrete form boards, or reusable slip forms.
19. Insulate foundation before backfill.
20. Substitute solid sawn lumber with engineered lumber.
21. Install a whole house water filter.
22. Provide conduit for future solar addition.
23. Provide dimmers on all light switches.
24. South and west facing walls to have a high thermal mass material.
25. All appliances to be high level EnergyStar models.
26. Include solar water heating.
27. On demand, tankless water heaters
2. Double the minimum amount of insulation required.
3. Use No-VOC and Formaldehyde-Free Paint. Use Solvent-Free Adhesives.
4. Use Low VOC, Water-Based Wood Finishes.
5. Use certified wood or finger-jointed wood for all finish trim.
6. If you must use drywall, use recycled content drywall. Try other natural wall finishes.
7.. Replace up to 35% of the Portland Cement in the concrete with Fly Ash.
8. Avoid vinyl products. Alternatives include rubber, linoleum, Cork, etc.
9. Specify a light color roof in warm regions.
10. Avoid particle board cabinets and use formaldehyde-free medium density fiberboard, plywood or wheat board for cabinet boxes.
11. Consider bamboo, reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood, and wheatboard for cabinet doors
and drawers, and sealed with a no- or low-volatile organic compound clear finish.
12. On-demand hot water system rather than a whole house re-circulating hot water loop.
13. Any new toilets should be dual flush type.
14. Recycle Job Site Construction and Demolition Waste. Change your general demolition notes to salvage all removed doors and windows for possible salvage or reuse.
15. Use thermally modified wood that does not contain Chromium, CCA or Arsenic for decking and sill plates.
16. Landscaping uses drip irrigation system to save water and indigenous plants.
17. Incorporate permeable paving at all driveways and exterior surfaces.
18. Reuse concrete form boards, or reusable slip forms.
19. Insulate foundation before backfill.
20. Substitute solid sawn lumber with engineered lumber.
21. Install a whole house water filter.
22. Provide conduit for future solar addition.
23. Provide dimmers on all light switches.
24. South and west facing walls to have a high thermal mass material.
25. All appliances to be high level EnergyStar models.
26. Include solar water heating.
27. On demand, tankless water heaters
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)