Comments on: A Handy Reference Guide to the 20 Greenest Materials

By: sam

sam — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:35:17 +0000

These art projects would make great Living Room Designs for my new home.

By: Sharron Babb

Sharron Babb — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:33:54 +0000

most companies are greenwashing –please share this truly green products with your friends and family

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:46:26 +0000

Research has mounted against a lineup of EDCs, like BPA (in food cans, hard plastic water bottles), phthlates (in soft plastics, cosmetics) and fire retardants (in sofas, computers, flame-resistant clothing)— and which have been linked with a host of hormone-related disorders like low sperm count, cancer (breast, ovarian, prostate, testicular), congenital malformation of the genitals and even obesity.

Aluminum isn’t much better, “Even though aluminum is not considered to be a heavy metal like lead, it can be toxic in excessive amounts and even in small amounts if it is deposited in the brain. Many of the symptoms of aluminum toxicity mimic those of Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. Colic, rickets, gastrointestinal problems, interference with the metabolism of calcium, extreme nervousness, anemia, headaches, decreased liver and kidney function, memory loss, speech problems, softening of the bones, and aching muscles can all be caused by aluminum toxicity.”

And some aluminum alloys such as 2011 contain small amounts of lead (.4%).

Aluminum isn’t much of a green option at all and trading out one set of health risks for another doesn’t seem all that advisable. And for those who share well founded suspicions after recent scares and for products made in China— understanding the various aluminum alloys and hidden hazards presents an additional concern.

Sometimes a little digging on my end and helpful sharing from others helps me make a much deserved U turn in my thoughts, what I share with others, and the informed advices I wish to have. For myself. And the advices I wish to give others and in whatever trust is offered.

By: Luanne

Luanne — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:54:33 +0000

Thanks, Patrick. I think the jury is still out on eucalyptus. It takes a tremendous amount of water to keep it thriving and water is a big problem, as you know. I think the same can be said for ethanol. It’s true, it may not fill your Prius, but if you see Laurie David’s brilliant documentary on Global Warming, many visionaries consider it a good alternative until better ones are developed. Hopefully that will be soon.

By: patrick

patrick — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:04:15 +0000

I am an eco-product designer with a good bit of materials research experience, so I must point out that the plantation grown teak that everybody loves and seems to be using these days, comes from plantations that were formally rain forests. If you go with FSC certified wood you will likely not find teak from Indonesia because the dictatorship of Indonesia runs management of the plantations and FSC has had issues with the destruction of rainforrest to build new plantations. While Teak is a long lasting high quality wood there are better choices like eucalyptus that are almost as durable but faster growing and come from FSC certified forests in South America.

Also when you say “And don’t forget ethanol, a fuel helping to reduce greenhouse emissions and slow global warming.” This is not true! Bio-diesel yes but ethanol is not a great substitute in till I can use it in a Prius and right now very few cars car run on more than 10%ethanol blend. Diesel is the real future. Way more embodied energy and there is plenty of cutting edge plants and extraction processes for vegetable oil to go around.

By: Luanne

Luanne — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:16:25 +0000

thanks, Kevin, I did want to add that stainless steel bottles are also great options. guess I left it out. I agree, they can be better than aluminum but I also think the aluminum is a great green choice.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:45:28 +0000

You had me until “aluminum bottles”. Steel bottles have all the advantages listed for aluminum, and one additional crucial plus: steel isn’t toxic, while aluminum is. Sigg bottles do have a liner, a liner which much time and use has shown to be safe, but nonetheless, it requires a liner to prevent toxic aluminum from entering your drink or food.

Steel, on the other hand, requires no liner or cover, and is inherently safe whether it gets dented, scraped, hot or cold, you name it. Sigg bottles are lined inside and painted on the outside, which requires a lot of extra materials and energy to produce, while many bare-steel bottles are available which avoid this resource-consuming step.

Many people use and are happy with aluminum bottles, so this isn’t meant to suggest they’re making the wrong choice. But if you’re looking for the greener and safer choice, right now steel wins. I’ve used it for years in bottles, thermoses, and various food containers, and it’s never let me down.