Organic home improvement
Home improvement is more popular now than ever. Consumers who wish to go with organic home improvement products have more choices than ever. Studies have shown that many chemicals used in the manufacture of common household products end up in household dust and in the air. One of them is PVC vinyl (polyvinyl chloride), used in flooring, shower curtains, and window blinds, among other things. In 1997, Greenpeace concluded that PVC is the worst plastic for the environment, after a 2 year investigation. Greenpeace released a series of reports today as evidence that the production, use, and disposal of PVC or vinyl is a leading source of dioxin fallout in the environment. According to the World Health Organization, Dioxin causes cancer in humans and is linked with reproductive disorders, birth defects, impaired neurological development, immune suppression, diabetes and numerous other disorders. It is also found in baby toys (more on that at the Organic child webpage. Pressure-treated wood decks are another concern. The wood is treated with a preservative called CCA (chromated copper arsenate). People who spend a lot of time around this product may breathe in arsenic, a known carcinogen. The same can be said for vinyl flooring. Some synthetic carpets release formaldehyde and VOCs, especially when new. Wall-to-wall carpets also tend to trap allergens like dust mites and pet hair, as well as pollutants from the outdoors. Is it possible to avoid these harmful chemicals? Of course! Companies that sell
Marmoleum
flooring know that it provides a natural, biodegradable alternative to vinyl, including a cork backing and glueless installation. Natural wool, jute, and sisal rugs are widely available. Pressure treated wood can be sealed or covered before use. We can purchase PVC-free shower curtains and blinds. Bamboo (and now coconut palm)flooring is beautiful, versatile, and sustainable. Check to see that wood products bear FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. Wood suppliers often make claims that their material comes from "managed" or "sustainable" forests, but without independent certification, there is no way to really know. The only forest certification system that is recognized by environmental groups worldwide is that of the FSC, which is independent, non-profit, and has a mechanism for tracking wood from the forest floor to the consumer. Companies like
The Home Depot ,
Lowe's Home Improvement,
and
IKEA
have partnered with conservation groups to ensure that their wood is certified by the FSC. Most illegally harvest wood comes from Indonesia, where about 70% of this lumber is obtained.
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