E.0-3. Selecting Eco-Friendly Materials
E.0-3. Selecting Eco-Friendly MaterialsSo many materials are referred to as Eco-Friendly Materials these days that it is hard to distinguish what the real McCoy is. For those who want to build a single family detached house it is particularly difficult to find an expert to advise. The reality is that the best one can do is to rely on rumors and tidbits on the go.
The National Green Product Rating System helps consumers objectively judge products and has been in operation for some time now.
It is the home of certified eco-labeled products and exemplary recycled products.
When it comes to eco-labeling of finish materials such as wallpaper, in particular, rigorous tests must be passed to ensure the absence of ingredients harmful to health; and fixtures necessary for water conservation such as faucets and showerheads are quantitatively evaluated and are registered only if conservation limits have been proven. The general homebuilder can use this information to own a very healthy home.
Products from small to medium size corporations are largely represented and in terms of prices, there are many, which are competitively priced. Of the products listed on this site, there are some, which I would like to particularly recommend; however, it is not the main objective of our association, so I am hesitant.
To those who would like to see a list of the products, please visit the following website.
On the homepage, in the lower bottom row (highlighted in red here) you can find the product links.
We hope that the site will help you to objectively select eco-friendly products that are truly actually good for the environment not just in words.
*Note: Exemplary recycled products are certified on the basis of recycling rate. This is different in character from the eco-labeling process. If we must choose between the two, exemplary recycled products, which have gone on to receive the eco-friendly label, are probably the best for the environment.
