What Is The Easiest Way To Start Using Healthy Materials?

  1. Start now: Begin with small actions (use one step from side two) and expand from there.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Select products with transparency and then better chemistry:
    1. Health Product Declarations with 100% ingredients disclosed. Next Level – Avoid chemicals listed as Benchmark 1, which contain chemicals of high concern.
    2. Declare labeled products. Next Level – Select LBC Red List Free.
    3. Cradle2Cradle products. Next Level – Material Health Certificate of Silver or higher.
    4. Healthy Hospitals Initiative – Furniture and materials that meet the program goals are free of stain retardants, water repellants, and antimicrobials.
  5. Name healthier products in the specifications: Rather than use performance language. Clarity on one of three listed products is better than on none.
  6. Limit “obviously bad” products: Avoid epoxy, PVC, or added water/stain repellants.
  7. 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.
  8. Advocate for what you want: Talk with manufacturers so they know what you would prefer to purchase based on your defined goals.
  9. Reward innovative manufacturers: Purchase from manufacturers who provide transparency and are working to improve their products.

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