ecomii - a better way
November 20, 2009  |  Login
7 Great Resources to Finding Green Materials
By Eric Corey Freed
 

If you want to use green materials in your building or remodeling project, your next step is figuring out where to find them. Given the popularity of green building, finding green materials has never been easier. Here are some fantastic resources to try, in addition to your local home-improvement center:

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA): For years, the AIA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) has been a place where architects could discuss how to green their buildings. Today the AIA provides resources and case studies for homeowners to use to green their homes. Contact the local chapter of the AIA (you can find it in the phone book or at http://www.aia.org) and ask about their green resources. You’ll also be able to find a local architect familiar with green building through your local AIA chapter.
  • BuildingGreen (http://www.buildinggreen.com): The publishers of Environmental Building News and the GreenSpec Directory have put all their unbiased and perfectly presented information together in a wonderfully straightforward site. Their reasonable fee (a one-week subscription costs $12.95) provides access to their wealth of research reports and product findings. Organized by construction categories and homeowner categories, BuildingGreen has emerged as the Consumer Reports of green building. 
  • GreenHomeGuide (http://www.greenhomeguide.com): Targeted at homeowners, GreenHomeGuide provides reviews and descriptions of green products by the professionals using them. Their know-how sections provide all the information you need for greening a kitchen or a bathroom.
  • Manufacturer sales reps: When visiting product showrooms and talking to the salesperson, communicate to them your desire for green products. Start the conversation and you’ll be surprised by the suggestions they provide. Many traditional manufacturers are offering greener versions of their products.
  • U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): The USGBC is a valuable source for data in regard to green building, great for making the argument to skeptical developers and city officials. One of the reasons for the creation of the USGBC was to provide a credible authority on green building, so use them as such. You can point to their combined experience and knowledge to find hundreds of reports and case studies. Visit their online resources at http://www.usgbc.org
  • Local showrooms: Each month, new showrooms open up around the United States offering green materials.  ....read more
 
 
 
ecomii featured poll

Are vitamins and supplements effective?

 

 

Are vitamins and supplements effective?
 
 
the ecomii eight
1 Winter Squash   5 Pistachio Stuffing
2 Chestnuts   6 Cap & Trade
3 Carbon Footprint   7 Pecan Pie
4 Supplements   8 Natural Health
 
ecomii resources
 
ecomii Tips Newsletter 

Sign up today to receive daily tips for living greener

 
Get in Touch

Got suggestions? Want to write for us? See something we could improve? Let us know!