Certifiably green

As an environmentally conscious homeowner, you know how important it is to buy green. That being said, do you ever wonder just how green the companies and products they represent are? Fortunately, a number of different programs are available that have certified products to give them the all-important, official green stamp of approval. Below are four that should be beneficial to you.

Green Seal
Founded in 1989, Green Seal provides science-based environmental certification standards that are credible, transparent, and essential in an increasingly educated and competitive marketplace. Their industry knowledge and standards help manufacturers, purchasers, and end users alike make responsible choices that positively impact business behavior and improve quality of life. (http://greenseal.org)

Cradle to Cradle
Cradle to Cradle Certification provides a company with a means to tangibly, credibly measure achievement in environmentally-intelligent design and helps customers purchase and specify products that are pursuing a broader definition of quality.
This means using environmentally safe and healthy materials; design for material reutilization, such as recycling or composting; the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency; efficient use of water, and maximum water quality associated with production; and instituting strategies for social responsibility.

If a candidate product achieves the necessary criteria, it is certified as a Silver, Gold or Platinum product or as a Technical/Biological Nutrient (available for homogeneous materials or less complex products), and can be branded as Cradle to Cradle. (http://c2ccertified.com)


Scientific Certification Systems
SCS is a leading third-party provider of certification, auditing and testing services, and standards, founded in 1984, whose goal is to recognize the highest levels of performance in food safety and quality, environmental protection and social responsibility in the private and public sectors, and to stimulate continuous improvement in sustainable development. (http://scscertified.com)


GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program. As an ANSI Authorized Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. GEI’s mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air. A GEI Advisory Board consisting of independent volunteers, who are renowned experts in the areas of indoor air quality, public and environmental health, building design and construction, and public policy, provides guidance and leadership to GEI. (http://www.greenguard.org)

Wells Fargo offers solar home program in California

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage said today it is one of the first mortgage lenders in California to market a new construction solar home program. Wells Fargo will let home builders pass the state's solar rebate directly to buyers at loan closing to use with their down payment or as a permanent interest-rate buy down to lower monthly payments. In the past, builders would simply reduce the price of a house by the amount of the state rebate offered by the California Energy Commission's New Solar Home Partnership and other utility solar rebate programs.

The solar home program is available on conforming and non-conforming loans for single-family, primary residences, including detached homes and condominiums. The amount of the rebate is tied to the size of the solar energy system built into the new home. As part of its million solar roofs initiative, California announced a target that 50 percent of all new houses built in the state over the next decade will be solar homes. The increasing cost of power and environmental concerns are driving consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. Homeowners in California have been known to save up to 60 percent on their utility bills in a new, energy-efficient solar home.

“Our new solar home offering is part of our larger strategy to support business opportunities that help address climate change, increase energy and resource efficiency and spur a transition toward a sustainable energy economy," said Mary Wenzel, Wells Fargo head of Environmental Affairs. "Through our investments and products, we are proud to support an increasing number of customers who want to take advantage of clean, renewable energy and California's goal to have one million solar roofs in the state by 2018."

"Wells Fargo lives by its corporate pledge to support green development and energy-efficient loan products," said Stuart Tyrie, national program manager for Wells Fargo's National Builder Division. "Our solar home program adds to this environmental commitment. California, which is already the nation's top state for solar homes, has mandated builders offer solar as an option by 2011. Wells Fargo is underscoring its ongoing environmental commitment with a loan program that benefits buyers who purchase new homes with solar units."

Source: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Good work practices during remodeling

Regardless of what part of the house your remodeling project takes place in, there are good work practices that you can use to help minimize or prevent indoor air and other indoor environmental problems. These practices include the following:

1. Correct the underlying cause of any problem.
For example, if you are repairing a damaged paint surface, look to see what might have caused the damage, e.g., moisture from the inside (such as condensation), or from the outside (as with roof leaks), rubbing or impact of painted surfaces, or structural damage.

2. Assume Paint in Homes Built Before 1978 Contains Lead.
Unless a lead-based paint inspection shows otherwise, you should treat paint in homes built before 1978 as if contains lead. Exposing anyone to lead dust, especially children, is harmful. See further information on lead if this applies to your home.

3. Do Not Disturb Asbestos
If a project requires disturbing areas that contain asbestos, use an asbestos professional or contact your health department for advice before proceeding. For more information about asbestos, including how to protect those in your home during a remodeling project, read EPA's Asbestos in the Home: A Homeowner's Guide

4. Avoid Exposure to Mold or Bacteria
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles and carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced. More information is available on EPA's mold page - www.epa.gov/mold

5. Avoid Creating Dust (and Contain Dust That Can't Be Avoided)
Many remodeling activities, from demolition to removing wood casings, have the potential to create dust. Use low-dust work practices (for example, mist surfaces with water before sanding or scraping). Cover the area under work with a durable protective sheeting (e.g., a plastic or poly tarp). Use barriers to keep dust contained to immediate work area. (See also ventilation strategies discussed below.)

6. Provide Ventilation
Exhaust ventilation (e.g., a fan blowing out) from the work area will help remove dust and other pollutants AND, by creating a pressure barrier, will help keep pollutants from spreading to other parts of the house. After applying paints or finishes, installing flooring (such as carpeting), or other activities likely to "off-gas" pollutants, continue to provide maximum ventilation to the space. The typical recommendation is to provide maximum ventilation both during installation and for at least 72 hours after installation is completed.

7. Protect Occupants from Exposure to Odors and Pollutants
Keep occupants, especially children, away from the work area. Clean up the work site before they return. (Workers should wear proper protection, keep clean, and avoid taking dust home with them!) Use barriers (e.g., taped plastic sheeting over doors and other openings) and local exhaust ventilation to prevent pollutants from spreading through the home. When possible, allow materials containing VOCs to off-gas outside before bringing them into the home. Likewise, when possible, apply finishes such as paint and sealers to building materials outside, and bring them into the home after they are dry.

8. Use Appropriate Storage and Disposal Practices for Paints, Solvents, Clean-up Materials, and Asbestos-Containing Materials
Seal containers carefully after use. Keep paint containers in storage areas, preferably equipped with exhaust ventilation, but not near heating, ventilation, or air-conditioning equipment rooms. Use an appropriate waste disposal method to dispose of any paints containing lead or mercury. Follow appropriate regulations for disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

9. Follow Manufacturers' Instructions
As a minimum, follow the manufacturers' recommendations regarding proper use, ventilation requirements, and other health and safety guidelines for all products and materials, including paints, sealants, adhesives, and appliances.

Information from the Environmental Protection Agency website (http://www.epa.gov)

Types of Non-Toxic Paints and Finishes

The term "non-toxic" is used here in its broadest sense. With paints and finishes, it's more a matter of degree. Even Zero-VOC formulations contain some small amounts of toxins. Here are three general categories of non-toxic (or low-toxic) paints: Natural Paints, Zero VOC, and Low VOC

Natural Paints and Finishes - These are paints made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils; natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum; milk casein, natural latex, bees' wax, earth and mineral dyes. Water-based natural paints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies and sensitivities to these paints is uncommon. These paints are the safest for your health and for the environment.

The Real Milk Paint Company - non-toxic paint made with milk protein, lime, clay and earth pigments. www.realmilkpaint.com
Aglaia - Natural finishes for many applications, from high quality wall paints to specialty paints for plasters or glazing. (www.aglaiapaint.com)
Livos - Organic paint, stains, oils and waxes made using all natural ingredients. Coatings are linseed oil and citrus oil based, non toxic, low VOC and are designed primarily for wood. (www.livos.us)
Auro - Solvent-free, water-based natural paints and primers, finishes, stains and adhesives. (www.aurousa.com)
EcoDesign's BioShield - Line of natural paints and finishes. (www.bioshieldpaint.com)
Weather-Bos - Line of natural stains, finishes and paints. Blends of natural oils and resins designed to adhere to the wood, forming a monolithic bond. (www.weatherbos.com)
SoyGuard - soy-based exterior stains, water repellants and sealers for wood surfaces. (www.soyguard.com)
Silacote - made from natural mineral compounds, for use on masonry, concrete and wallboard; interior/exterior. (www.silacote.com)
Anna Sova - natural paints from milk casein, titanium dioxide and food-grade ingredients. (www.annasova.com)
Green Planet Paints - natural clay paints for interiors using unique Mayan clay pigments. (www.greenplanetpaints.com)

Zero VOC - Any paint with VOC's in the range of 5 grams/litre or less can be called "Zero VOC", according to the EPA Reference Test Method 24. Some manufacturers may claim "Zero-VOC's", but these paints may still use colorants, biocides and fungicides with some VOC's. Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/liter, which is still quite low.

AFM Safecoat - Flat interior latex; semi-gloss interior enamel. www.afmsafecoat.com (800-239-0321)
ICI Lifemaster 2000 - Flat, Eggshell, semi-gloss interior; primer.(800 984-5444)
Best Paint Company - Zero-VOC Interior paints, primers and specialty products (faux glaze, varnish replacement, etc) and Low-VOC Exterior paints and primers. (www.bestpaintco.com)
ICI Decra-Shield - exterior zero-VOC paints. (800 984-5444)
Kelly-Moore Enviro-Cote - ENVIRO-COTE line of paints are zero-VOC. (916 921-0165)
Devoe Wonder Pure - odor-free interior acrylic latex paints. (www.devoepaint.com)
Ecoshield - Zero-VOC, low odor, ethylene glycol-free interior paints. Primer, flat, low-sheen, and semi-gloss. Manufactured by Dunn-Edwards. (www.dunnedwards.com)
American Pride - Zero-VOC interior latex and acrylic enamel paints. (www.americanpridepaint.com)
Sherwin Williams - new HARMONY line of zero-VOC low-odor latex interior paints. Flat, eggshell, semi-gloss and primer. (www.sherwin.com)
Frazee Paint EnviroKote - line of interior zero-VOC paints: semi-gloss, flat, and primer.
Allied PhotoChemical - supplies zero-VOC, UV-curable paints, inks and coatings to manufacturers. (www.alliedphotochemical.com)
Olympic Paint and Stain - Zero-VOC Olympic Premium interior line.
Yolo Colorhouse - Zero-VOC, low-odor, premium interior paint. (yolocolorhouse.com)
Green Planet Paints - Zero-VOC, clay-based interior paints. (greenplanetpaints.com)
Benjamin Moore Pristine EcoSpec - Zero-VOC, under 1 gram/liter. Flat, eggshell, semi-gloss finishes and a primer.
Homestead Paints - Zero-VOC, flat and low-sheen interior paints. (homesteadhouse.ca)

Low VOC - Low VOC paints, stains and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents. As such, the levels of harmful emissions are lower than solvent-borne surface coatings. These certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. The amount of VOC's varies among different "low-VOC" products, and is listed on the paint can or MSDS. Paints and stains, to meet EPA standards. must not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per litre. Varnishes must not contain VOCs in excess of 300 grams per liter. As a general rule, low VOC paints marketed by reputable paint manufacturers usually meet the 50 g/L VOC threshold. Paints with the Green Seal Standard (GS-11) mark are certified lower than 50 g/L (for flat sheen) or 150 g/L (for non-flat sheen). Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams/liter of VOC's.

Benjamin Moore Aura - Low VOC's, covers most surfaces in a single coat, durable, scrubbable. (www.myaurapaints.com)
Benjamin Moore Saman - water-based wood stains
Cloverdale Horizon - Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss interior enamels
Cloverdale EcoLogic - Low VOC's, under 10 grams/liter. Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss interior.
MAB Paints - Enviro-Pure Interior Latex Zero VOC line
Miller Paint - Acro Solvent Free Interior Acrylic line
Vista Paint - Carefree Earth Coat line
PPG Architectural Finishes - Pittsburgh Paints Pure Performance line

Excerpted from http://www.eartheasy.com

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