bleeth
12-05-2009, 02:41 PM
More from the subject brought up in sign making but moved here to keep that thread on-topic:
I agree that true eco-friendly would mean a whole lot less allowed but I wouldn't want to live in a world that was totally agrarian. For modern life and specific to our industries (primarily wood products) eco-friendly means using wood from sustainable forests, transported less distance and/or economically, non VOC chemicals for bonding and finishing.
An interesting issue with the aluminum that is to be used for the letters: Aluminum needs massive amounts of electricity for manufacturing, and this is why much aluminum is produced near hydro plants. But the damming of the rivers (For example the Columbia) has created real problems with the salmon runs. So by implication, there is nothing eco about aluminum. But, once produced it emits no dangerous fumes, and is recyclable.
Current definitions of eco-friendly materials and systems in construction are generally unified by LEED certification. Many of the projects being built now have various levels of green certification and in order to accomplish this the developers are digging deeper into their pockets. This may only be a start, but it is certainly better than it was.
In my opinion, much of the eco advertising and blather is a hoax, but there is also much that isn't. I live in a state whose largest power company produces almost no electricity here from natural resources such as wind or sun, and yet we are known as the "Sunshine State"! At the same time they constantly advertise how much they are doing for the environment. On the other side, every plywood/MDF/particle board supplier in the area has certified products from sustainable forests, documented recycled content, and non VOC compliant and many products we use come from manufacturers who only use "green" materials and practices.
I feel that the entire subject of ecologically friendlier practices in the wood products industry are important to our planet and species.
I agree that true eco-friendly would mean a whole lot less allowed but I wouldn't want to live in a world that was totally agrarian. For modern life and specific to our industries (primarily wood products) eco-friendly means using wood from sustainable forests, transported less distance and/or economically, non VOC chemicals for bonding and finishing.
An interesting issue with the aluminum that is to be used for the letters: Aluminum needs massive amounts of electricity for manufacturing, and this is why much aluminum is produced near hydro plants. But the damming of the rivers (For example the Columbia) has created real problems with the salmon runs. So by implication, there is nothing eco about aluminum. But, once produced it emits no dangerous fumes, and is recyclable.
Current definitions of eco-friendly materials and systems in construction are generally unified by LEED certification. Many of the projects being built now have various levels of green certification and in order to accomplish this the developers are digging deeper into their pockets. This may only be a start, but it is certainly better than it was.
In my opinion, much of the eco advertising and blather is a hoax, but there is also much that isn't. I live in a state whose largest power company produces almost no electricity here from natural resources such as wind or sun, and yet we are known as the "Sunshine State"! At the same time they constantly advertise how much they are doing for the environment. On the other side, every plywood/MDF/particle board supplier in the area has certified products from sustainable forests, documented recycled content, and non VOC compliant and many products we use come from manufacturers who only use "green" materials and practices.
I feel that the entire subject of ecologically friendlier practices in the wood products industry are important to our planet and species.