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Brigitte Haugen
Do you have home repairs and projects you’d like to get done this summer? Of course you do! But being the wonderful green-conscious person you are, you’d rather approach these tasks in an environmentally safe manner, right? Well, here come some of the safest, cost-effective, chemical-free home products straight from the mind and mouth of green guru Joel Hirshberg. He’s the owner of Iowa’s biggest green home product businesses in the country, Green Building Supply, based out ofFairfield. So please, relax and read on – you’re in safe hands.
 1. Marmoleum Flooring by Forbo
This 100% natural, non-toxic, renewable product comes in 150 colors for residential and commercial applications from $3.69 per square foot. Their Marmoleum Click product is a DIY (do-it-yourself), eco-friendly floor that is easy to install for new or remodeling projects. Free shipping.*
 2. Bamboo Strand Woven Flooring by EcoTimber
Twice as hard as normal bamboo, this waterproof, puppy-proof, kid-proof and soon to be FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified flooring has zero formaldehyde and an aesthetic feel that any enlightened greeny would love. Need I say more? Okay, there is also a 27-year wear warranty. From $4.99 per square foot, it comes in amber, honey, or two-toned colors. Free Shipping.*
 3. Dual Flush Toilets by Caroma
Invented by the Australians many years ago, these popular water saving toilets are selling like hotcakes throughout Europe. They are approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) because they use only .8 gallons of water per flush for liquids, and 1.6 gallons for solids. This saves you money on your water and sewer bill and saves your city from having to process the sewage. Subsequently, it also extends the life of your septic system. The 4 inch trap never plugs up and never requires two flushes. Prices start at $350.
4. Bamboo Countertops
This is by far the coolest eco-top you will ever see. It comes in vertical or horizontal grain patterns and either natural or carbonized bamboo. It is also available in a parquet end-grain pattern that is much like traditional butcher block, but handles moisture better and is a renewable resource. It comes unfinished so you can play with it just like you would wood. These Bamboo Countertops run under $25 per square foot.
 5. American Clay Earth Plaster
Earth’s natural plaster, American Clay is completely breathable, non-toxic, and comes in three distinct finishes and 43 gorgeous earth-tone colors. It’s easy to apply, long lasting, and transforms to any room. You'll never go back to regular paint once you've tried this, especially since it helps control the climate in your room and runs about $1.00 per square foot. Not bad!
 6. Natural Cork Flooring
This is the number one selling cork in the U.S. because of its durability, extra dense wear layer, waterproof backing and edges, and 36 stunning colors. A DIY product for sure, Natural Cork Flooring comes in Click style planks or tiles. It starts at $3.79 per square foot and is also available in glue down tiles. (Free Shipping.*)
7. Green Building Supply® Penetrating and Colored Sealer
Unlike most topical sealers, this non-toxic, zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) product seals concrete, brick, stucco and masonry in a deep and penetrating manner without the harsh chemicals. It comes in 36 earth tones and has a 10 year warranty against moisture. At $0.26 per square foot, it is the least expensive way to create a beautiful eco-floor.
 8. American Formulating & Manufacturing® Safecoat Zero VOC paints
Still the leader in non-toxic finishes, AFM has created the best paints, primers, stains and sealers particularly for the chemically sensitive. Their entire line of oils, polyurethanes, lacquers, and sealers are proven performers with no smell. So with a price of $35 per gallon, who could deny even the littlest of lungs safety?
 9. Chemlink Sealants
Here are a complete line of industrial grade caulks and sealants for serious heavy-weather outdoor or indoor projects with zero VOC and a variety of colors. Their new MeanGreen construction adhesive is a great alternative that actually holds better and dries faster than the leading brands. At only $4.72 per tube, this chemically-safe sealant is a steal!
 10. 100% Cotton Insulation by Inno-Therm
Made of pre-consumer recycled blue jean denim, cotton insulation is a true performer. No itching, no formaldehyde, and no toxic ingredients whatsoever. Best of all, it has great sound reduction capabilities. Costs range from $.80 to $1.76 per square foot, about 2 times the cost of traditional fiberglass (itch!) and worth every penny.
Free Shipping* only applies to commercial addresses. Otherwise, add about $75 to most residential locations.
Visit www.greenbuildingsupply.com for more information. |
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