What Is The Easiest Way To Start Using Healthy Materials?
- Start now: Begin with small actions (use one step from side two) and expand from there.
- Define your goals: There will be contradictions – embodied carbon vs. chemicals of concern, transparency vs. green chemistry. Set clear guiding principles to navigate the difficult decisions.
- Divide and conquer: Focus on one product type or CSI division at a time. Identify the most prevalent product types by volume and concentrate on those for maximum impact. Typically, these are paints/coatings, insulation, composite woods, finishes, drywall, and flooring.
- Select products with transparency and then better chemistry:
- Health Product Declarations with 100% ingredients disclosed. Next Level – Avoid chemicals listed as Benchmark 1, which contain chemicals of high concern.
- Declare labeled products. Next Level – Select LBC Red List Free.
- Cradle2Cradle products. Next Level – Material Health Certificate of Silver or higher.
- Healthy Hospitals Initiative – Furniture and materials that meet the program goals are free of stain retardants, water repellants, and antimicrobials.
- Name healthier products in the specifications: Rather than use performance language. Clarity on one of three listed products is better than on none.
- Limit “obviously bad” products: Avoid epoxy, PVC, or added water/stain repellants.
- Choose better associated products, too: Finishes typically require other products for installation. For example, for carpets, seek adhesives free of chemicals of concern and carpet pads with no flame retardants.
- Advocate for what you want: Talk with manufacturers so they know what you would prefer to purchase based on your defined goals.
- Reward innovative manufacturers: Purchase from manufacturers who provide transparency and are working to improve their products.
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