Responsibly Forested Products
Reprinted with permission of Laura Higdon,
Lilipad Studio

What does 'responsibly forested' mean, and why is it important? Responsibly forested wood means that wood harvested from healthy forests is done so in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. This includes:
" Harvesting rates and clearing sizes do not exceed a forest's natural capacity to regenerate.
" Natural forest conditions needed for wildlife and healthy ecosystems function are maintained.
" Rare, threatened and endangered species and forest types are maintained and protected.
" No forests are cleared and replaced by barren tree plantations.
" Chemical use is minimized or eliminated.
" Streams and rivers are protected from soil erosion that degrades water quality and fish habitat.
Workers, communities and indigenous people benefit from the forestry operation, and their rights and interests are protected.

THE FORESTS ARE OUR EARTH'S LUNGS!

They help us breathe by creating oxygen and filtering pollutants from the air, and help stabilize the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas. They soak up rainfall like giant sponges, preventing floods and purifying water that we drink. They provide habitat for 90% of the plant and animal species that live on land, as well as being the homelands for many of the earth's last remaining indigenous cultures. They provide valuable resources like wood, rubber and medicinal plants, including plants used to create cancer drugs. Harvesting these resources provides employment for local communities.

ALMOST HALF OF THE WORLD'S ORIGINAL FORESTS HAVE BEEN CUT DOWN (APROX. 7.4 BILLION ACRES) AN AVERAGE OF 39.5 MILLION ACRES ARE ADDED TO THIS LOSS COLUMN EACH YEAR!
The destruction of forests releases tons of carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas and culprit behind global climate change) into the Earth's atmosphere.

THE U.S. LEADS THE WAY IN WOOD CONSUMPTION, representing almost one third of the global wood-buying market. According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund, THE WORLD'S WOOD NEEDS COULD BE MET BY ONE FIFTH OF THE EARTH'S FORESTS - IF THESE FORESTS ARE MANAGED CORRECTLY!

Lilipad Studio uses wood that is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. FSC is an independent, international nonprofit organization whose membership is comprised of more than 500 environmental groups, progressive companies, forestry professionals, social scientists and groups representing labor, church and indigenous people's interests. They have established a set of international forest management standards, and offers certification only to those organizations that comply with these strict environmental and social standards.

What are 'V.O.C.'s in paint and why don't we want them?
Reprinted with permission of Laura Higdon,
Lilipad Studio

Indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes, releasing low-level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. They poison groundwater and contain ozone-depleting contaminants.

The source of these toxins is a variety of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint. These are the fumes that you smell while you paint, and usually for several days after.
A VOC is an organic chemical that becomes a breathable gas at room temperature. Some examples of these are ethylene glycol, vinyl chloride and mercury.

VOCs in paint usually come from the additives to the paint such as fungicides, biocides, color, and spreadability agents. These high levels of VOC's in paints can cause headaches, allergic reactions, and health problems in the very old, very young, and those with chronic illness.

Fortunately, new environmental regulations, and consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes that are durable and cost-effective.

Because of all this, we want to paint with the good, healthy stuff!

Tips to help you buy paint in the future:
You can determine the VOC content of paint by reading the label. It is usually expressed in terms of grams per liter. The most environmentally friendly choice is to buy paint with no VOCs. (That's what we use) But if the paint you need for a job contains VOCs, try to choose a paint with no higher than 250 grams per liter for latex, and if you must use oil-based paint, no higher than 350 grams per liter. These numbers are usually on the label or on the product literature.

Be sure to ventilate the area well, during and after painting. VOCs cling to fabrics and carpeting (synthetic carpeting and padding is itself one of the worst off-gassing products in most homes).

You can also look for the "Green Seal" of approval to help you make quick decisions. They have already done the looking for you.

YOU VOTE WITH EACH DOLLAR YOU SPEND!
By supporting these companies listed below, you are encouraging all paint companies to strive for healthier alternatives.

Safe Coat primers, paints and sealers - by American Formulating and manufacturing
www.afmsafecoat.com

Pristine Eco-spec Paint- Benjamin Moore & Co.
www.benjaminmoore.com

Bio Shield paints and stains - by Bioshield
www.bioshieldpaint.com

Genesis odor-free paint - Duron
www.duron.com

Sherman Williams new HARMONY line of zero-VOC paints
www.sherwin.com

American Pride - Zero VOC interior latex paints. FREE SHIPPING on all products!
www.americanpridepaint.com

Ecos Organic Paints - broad line of paints and finishes
www.ecosorganicpaints.com

Promaster paint - by Glidden/ICI
www.icipaintstores.com

Milk-based paints and natural pigments
www.milkpaint.com

Allied PhotoChemical - supplies zero-VOC, UV-curable paints
www.alliedphotochemical.com