techdirections December 2012 : Page 18

Crossword Puzzle Makes It Fun Introduce Green Manufacturing in Wood Technology Courses 9qÛAg`fÛCÛ@d]qÛYf\Û;gm_Û?Y_m] jiley@pittstate.edu; drhague@pittstate.edu S USTAINABLE, or “green,” manufacturing and its practices are becoming more and more a part of today’s industry, includ-ing wood product manufacturing. This article provides introductory information on green manufacturing in wood technology and a crossword puzzle based on green manufacturing terms. We use the puzzle at the col-lege level to introduce students to key terminology and help them to review it, but it is also appropriate for high school students. We also include a glossary of terms that we compiled for instructors and stu-OCK OVERST SALE! Bring Technology History to Life! These books present in-depth profiles of 152 notable people involved in applied science and technology, such as Nikola Tesla, George Washington Carver, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Henry Ford, John Deere, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Margaret Bourke-White. The 8-1/2" x 11" books offer real-life biographies that celebrate hard work, persistence, and creativity. The high-quality paperbacks feature easy-to-follow explanations of inventions and technical processes and are loaded with illustrations. K][`fgdg_q¿kÛGYkl•ÛMgdÛ~ —272 pages ....................... $24.95 K][`fgdg_q¿kÛGYkl•ÛMgdÛ —272 pages ...................... $24.95 Plus $7.95 shipping & handling $9.95 $9.95 For details, visit www.techdirections.com/bookshistory.html Order online, fax your order to 734-975-2787, or call 800-530-9673 x300. Tech Directions Books & Media, PO Box 8623, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 ~… tech directions X DECEMBER 2012

Introduce Green Manufacturing in Wood Technology Courses

John L. lley and Doug Hague

<br /> SUSTAINABLE, or “green,” manufacturing and its practices are becoming more and more a part of today’s industry, including wood product manufacturing. This article provides introductory information on green manufacturing in wood technology and a crossword puzzle based on green manufacturing terms.<br /> <br /> We use the puzzle at the college level to introduce students to key terminology and help them to review it, but it is also appropriate for high school students. We also include a glossary of terms that we compiled for instructors and students working with green manufacturing in wood technology.<br /> <br /> Background<br /> What is sustainable, or green, manufacturing? According to the U.S. Department of Commerce:<br /> <br /> Sustainable manufacturing (or green manufacturing) is defined as the creation of manufactured products that use processes that are nonpolluting, conserve energy and natural resources, and are economically sound and safe for employees, communities, and consumers.<br /> <br /> Today’s wood products industries—furniture manufacturing, small products, store fixtures, cabinetry, and architectural millwork—incorporate a green approach in all aspects of manufacturing. The objectives are to increase efficiency; reduce any long-term harm associated with a product’s use; assure that the product functions efficiently throughout its life; take into account the disposal of the product and the byproducts associated with making it; analyze and minimize potential safety hazards; minimize nuisances (e.g., odors and noise); and ensure the product’s efficient and environmentally friendly use.<br /> <br /> Instructors and students in wood technology programs need to be aware of terminology associated with green manufacturing because of its growing importance in the industry. The crossword puzzle that we present here is designed to introduce or review green manufacturing terminology, especially as it relates to wood manufacturing technology. Terms related to green design, materials, processes, by-products, agencies, designations, and environmental considerations are featured.<br /> <br /> To become more familiar with “green manufacturing” terminology, you can find many excellent resources on the Internet. We compiled and used the glossary provided on pages 22–26 to develop the puzzle on pages 20–21. Independent of the puzzle, the glossary can also serve as an excellent reference in wood technology, manufacturing technology, and green technology courses.<br /> <br /> Green Manufacturing in Wood Technology<br /> <br /> ACROSS<br /> 1 HAPs stands for Hazardous Air _____s, which in high concentration levels can adversely affect human health.<br /> <br /> 4 Total amount of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases emitted over life of product. = carbon _____.<br /> <br /> 7 U. S. _____ Building Council (USGBC)<br /> <br /> 12 Government agency charged with enforcing environmental regulations. This is the _____ (abr.).<br /> <br /> 13 A raw material that can be replenished within a reasonable amount of time. Examples: bamboo, abaca, and sustainably-harvested woods<br /> <br /> 15 Certification body for sustainable forest that provides documentation needed by LEED. (abr.)<br /> <br /> 16 Definition: “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (WCED)<br /> <br /> 18 A finishing system that is highly efficient in transfer of finish that can be equipped with a recovery system that reduces waste volumes requiring disposal. This is “Flat Panel _____.”<br /> <br /> 19 Analyzing product’s life, from raw materials extraction to manufacturing, delivery, use, and disposal or reuse (abr.)<br /> <br /> 20 Level of pollutants prescribed by regulations are described in Air _____Standards.<br /> <br /> 22 Life Cycle ______ (LCA)<br /> <br /> 25 An alternative to solid wood construction is to apply _____ (thin layer of wood) to a composite panel material.<br /> <br /> 27 Release of gas, particle, or vapor into environment from a commercial, residential, or industrial source is a(n) _____.<br /> <br /> 28 A new, “natural” waterborne finish pioneered in Vermont is made from cheese “_____.” Research was conducted by the University of Vermont.<br /> <br /> 31 National trade association representing and servicing cabinet manufacturers in the areas of quality standards, research, and education. This describes the ______. (abr.)<br /> <br /> 33 Documentation of path taken by raw materials harvested from FSC-certified source through processing, manufacturing, distribution, and printing, until it is a final product for sale to the end consumer. This describes the “chain of _____.”<br /> <br /> 34 Material capable of decomposing relatively quickly in nature without harmful effects to the environment.<br /> <br /> 36 Finish composed of minute spheres of resin (most commonly acrylic and polyurethane) suspended in water along with a slow-evaporating solvent, such as glycol ether. This describes _____ finish.<br /> <br /> 39 A product that is made from materials and ingredients found in nature, with little or no human intervention.<br /> <br /> 40 The chemical compound Methanol (H2CO). Urea _____ is an important chemical used by industry to manufacture building materials and many household products. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes.<br /> <br /> DOWN<br /> 2 Rip saws, cut-off saws, and software designed to aid in getting the most out of a given piece of material.<br /> <br /> 3 _____ Certification Systems (SCS)<br /> <br /> 5 Volatile _____ Compound (VOC)<br /> <br /> 6 An adhesive alternative to contact cement for applying laminate is _____ (abr.).<br /> <br /> 8 A composite panel material, made of straw that is used as a substitute for MDF<br /> <br /> 9 Type of furnace that burns sawdust and wood waste is a _____ furnace.<br /> <br /> 10 Medium _____ Fiberboard (MDF)<br /> <br /> 11 Any waste product or material that can produce injury or death if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.<br /> <br /> 13 A product or material that can be converted back into material that can be used again in manufacturing new goods.<br /> <br /> 14 Program whose participants practice sustainable forestry on all the lands they manage; also train loggers and foresters in best management practices, as part of ______ (abr.) <br /> <br /> 17 The nation’s foremost organization of leaders working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible and profitable, and healthy places to work and live. This describes the ______ (abr.)<br /> <br /> 19 Certification program administered by U.S. Green Building Council to recognize leadership in environmental design for commercial and residential construction projects.<br /> <br /> 21 Fast-growing grass/reed; an alternative to wood is _____.<br /> <br /> 23 Designation given a product by the government to promote “buying green” describes _____ (abr.).<br /> <br /> 24 Forest _____ Council (FSC)<br /> <br /> 26 Reduce - Reuse - ______ - Respect<br /> <br /> 29 Environmentally Preferable _____.<br /> <br /> 30 A variety of chemicals that may have short- and long-term effects on health. Concentrations are typically up to 10 times higher indoors.<br /> <br /> 32 An independent, third-party testing program and certification for low-emitting products and materials is the _____ Certification ProgramSM.<br /> <br /> 35 An alternative to PVC edgebanding that is a tough plastic, free of chloride. This is ______. (abr.)<br /> <br /> 37 Leadership in _____ and Environmental Design (LEED)<br /> <br /> 38 A panel or substrate material manufactured from wood fiber and resin. (abr.)<br /> <br /> Glossary of Green Terms Related to Wood Technology<br /> <br /> Abaca—A species of banana plant. Abaca's large leaves and stems are harvested for their fiber, used in making clothing and textile goods. A sustainable alternative to cotton.<br /> <br /> Abatement—Reducing the degree or intensity of, or eliminating, pollution.<br /> <br /> Air pollution—Airborne contaminants or pollutants that adversely affect the environment or human health. These can be a byproduct of the manufacturing process and transportation of goods. (Buying ecofriendly products indirectly reduces air pollution.)<br /> <br /> Air quality standards—The level of pollutants prescribed by regulations that are not to be exceeded during a given time in a defined area.<br /> <br /> Air quality testing—Third-party testing programs for low-emitting products and materials. Testing certifies that chemical and particle emissions meet acceptable Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) pollutant guidelines and standards. Scientific Certification Systems' (SCS) Indoor Advantage program is an example of this.<br /> <br /> Antique—In furniture and home furnishings, a collectible piece, typically at least 100 years old. Antiques help foster an appreciation for quality, durability, and longevity in design by presenting an alternative to the mentality of the throwaway culture. See also Vintage.<br /> <br /> Bamboo—An alternative to wood. Generally, bamboo is more renewable because it is a fast-growing grass/reed. Care should still be taken when shopping for bamboo products because many cheaply made bamboo items are coated with toxic finishes. Look for natural, food-safe coatings for tabletop items, and certified organic bamboo labels.<br /> <br /> Biodegradable—A material or substance which will decompose quickly and without harmful effects to the environment when left exposed to natural elements.<br /> <br /> Biomass—Living and recently dead biological material that can be used as fuel or for industrial production. Most commonly, biomass refers to plant matter grown for use as bio-fuel, but it also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibers, chemicals, or heat. Biomass may also include biodegradable wastes that can be burned as fuel. It excludes organic material that has been transformed by geological processes into substances such as coal or petroleum.<br /> <br /> Carbon footprint—The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service, expressed as grams of CO2 equivalents. Greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and climate change, so reducing carbon footprints is desirable.<br /> <br /> Carbon offset— Carbon offsetting is the act of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through emissions trading. For example, a factory or production facility may not be able to reduce its own carbon footprint any further through its own actions, so it may purchase credits from another party to offset its actions. The goal of carbon offsets is to attain an overall carbon neutral effect.<br /> <br /> Certified wood—Under the guidance of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), wood-based materials used in building construction that are supplied from sources that comply with sustainable forestry practices, protecting trees, wildlife habitat, streams, and soil.<br /> <br /> Certified—Acknowledgment that a product is true to what it claims, typically having gone through a process similar to obtaining a license.<br /> <br /> Chain of custody (COC)-The documentation of the path taken by raw materials harvested from an Forestry Stewardship Council-certified source through processing, manufacturing, distribution, and printing until it is a final product ready for sale to the end consumer.<br /> <br /> C02—Carbon dioxide, a chemical compound composed of one carbon and two oxygen atoms. Carbon dioxide absorbs many infrared wavelengths of the sun's light.<br /> <br /> C02e—CO2 equivalent, or the quantity of a given greenhouse gas multiplied by its global warming potential. Carbon dioxide equivalents are computed by multiplying the weight of the gas being measured (for example, methane) by its estimated global warming potential (21 for methane). This is the standard unit for comparing the degree of harm that can be caused by emissions of different greenhouse gases.<br /> <br /> Compost—The relatively stable humus material that is produced from a composting process in which bacteria in soil mixed with garbage and degradable trash break down the mixture into organic fertilizer.<br /> <br /> Construction waste management plan (CWMP)—A plan that diverts construction debris from landfills through plans to recycle, salvage, and reuse. For best results, this type of plan should also eliminate packaging of materials when possible and be carefully monitored or audited by the contractor.<br /> <br /> Co-op—Short for co-operative. Worker cooperatives are owned and democratically controlled by their workers. Since the co-op is workerowned and membership is not compulsory, this type of manufacturing avoids exploitation of workers.<br /> <br /> Cottage industry—An industry in which the creation and services of products is home based, rather than factory based. The products produced are often one of a kind, not mass produced.<br /> <br /> Cradle-to-cradle—A design protocol that advocates the elimination of waste by recycling a material or product into a new or similar product at the end of its intended life, rather than disposing of it. At the end of their useful life, all materials become either a biological or technical nutrient.<br /> <br /> Cradle-to-grave—A manufacturing model, dating back to the onset of the Industrial Revolution that describes the process of disposing of a material or product via landfill, incineration, etc., at the end of its presumed useful life.<br /> <br /> Day lighting (and views)—Provides people with a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views into occupied areas of a tenant space.<br /> <br /> Design for the Environment (DfE)—A design concept that focuses on reducing environmental and human health impacts through thoughtful design strategies and careful materials selection.<br /> <br /> DIY—Do-it-yourself, or creating things oneself without the help of professionals. An approach that often goes hand in hand with recycling and conserving resources.<br /> <br /> Durability—Related to the quality, durability indicates how well a product stands up after a sustained period of use.<br /> <br /> Eco-friendly—Refers to products made with ecology and the environment in mind.<br /> <br /> Ecosystem—The interacting system of a biological community and its nonliving environmental surroundings.<br /> <br /> Embodied energy—Refers to both the energy required to make a product and the molecular energy that exists in a product's material content.<br /> <br /> Emission—The release of any gas, particle, or vapor into the environment from a commercial, industrial, or residential source including smokestacks, chimneys, and motor vehicles.<br /> <br /> Emissions—Particles and gases released into the air as byproducts. There are many types of emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions, for example, contribute to global warming.<br /> <br /> Energy efficient—Products and systems that use less energy to perform as well or better than standard products. While energy-efficient products sometimes have higher up-front costs, they tend to cost less over their lifetime when the cost of energy consumed is factored in. An example of this is fluorescent light bulbs vs. incandescent bulbs.<br /> <br /> Energy recovery—Obtaining energy from waste through a variety of processes (e.g., combustion).<br /> <br /> Environmental aspect—An element of industries' or manufacturers' activities, products, or services that can interact positively or negatively with the environment used in the ISO 14001 EMS protocol.<br /> <br /> Environmental audit—An independent assessment of the current status of a party's compliance with applicable environmental requirements or of a party's environmental compliance policies, practices, and controls.<br /> <br /> Environmental impact statement— A document required of federal agencies by the National Environmental Policy Act for major projects or legislative proposals that will significantly affect the environment. A tool for decision making, it describes the positive and negative effects of the undertaking and cites alternative actions.<br /> <br /> Environmental impact—Any change to the environment, good or bad, that wholly or partially results from industrial/manufacturing activities, products, or services.<br /> <br /> Environmental Management System (EMS)—A series of activities designed to monitor and manage the environmental impacts of manufacturing activities. (See ISO 14001).<br /> <br /> EPA—The acronym for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the federal organization charged with setting and enforcing environmental regulations nationwide.<br /> <br /> ESP—Environmental Stewardship Program is administered by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. It provides cabinet manufacturers with a tangible way of measuring and showing their commitment to environmental sustainability.<br /> <br /> Fair trade—A social movement that promotes standards for international labor that provides a sense of economic self-sufficiency through fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged populations.<br /> <br /> Flat-pack—Refers to furniture that is designed to pack flat, thereby reducing shipping costs and fuel used in transportation. Flat-pack designs are ready to assemble by the customer, right out of the box.<br /> <br /> Flat panel coating—A finishing system that is highly efficient in transfers of finish that can be equipped with a recovery system that reduces waste that requires secondary handling for disposal.<br /> <br /> Fluorocarbon—A nonflammable, heat-stable hydrocarbon liquid or gas. Traditionally used as propellants, notably in spray cans, fluorocarbons are classified as ozone-depleting substances. Many industries are seeking to reduce or eliminate the use of fluorocarbons in the manufacture and operation of their products.<br /> <br /> Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC)—A nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. FSC labeling on wood products indicates that the wood is harvested from sustainably-managed forests.<br /> <br /> Formaldehyde—The chemical compound methanol (H2CO). Urea formaldehyde is an important chemical used widely by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes. Humans, plants, and animals produce it as a normal part of living. Formaldehyde levels in building materials have been lowered by more than 80% since the 1980s. Formaldehyde is measured in parts per million of air. Levels of 0.2 ppm and less are considered very low and nonthreatening to human health. It's important to note that wood products touted as "formaldehyde-free" do, in fact, contain and emit trace amounts of formaldehyde. When cabinetry, furniture, trim, or paneling is painted, stained, laminated, or otherwise coated—as most materials are—they emit almost no measurable level of formaldehyde.<br /> <br /> FTF—Fair Trade Federation. An association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers that adhere to social criteria and environmental principles that foster a more equitable and sustainable system of production and trade.<br /> <br /> GHG—Greenhouse gas, or gaseous components of the atmosphere that contribute to the "greenhouse effect" (i.e., absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere).<br /> <br /> Going green—This phrase refers to individual action, which a person can consciously take to curb harmful effects on the environment through consumer habits, behavior, and lifestyle.<br /> <br /> Green building—A building designed to conserve resources and reduce negative impacts on the environment in terms of energy, water, building materials, or land. Compared with conventional construction, green buildings may use one or more renewable energy systems for heating and cooling, such as solar electric, solar hot water, geothermal, biomass, or any combination of these.<br /> <br /> Green design—A term used in the building, furnishings, and product industries to indicate design sensitive to environmentally-friendly, ecological issues.<br /> <br /> Green energy—The use of environmentally friendly power and energy that comes from renewable and nonpolluting energy sources. Primary green energy sources include solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and biomass (wood and animal waste, landfill mass).<br /> <br /> GREENGUARD®—The GREENGUARD certification pogram is an independent, third-party testing program for low-emitting products and materials. To qualify for certification, products and materials are regularly tested to ensure that their chemical and particle emissions meet acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) pollutant guidelines and standards. GREENGUARD certification is a voluntary program available to all manufacturers and their suppliers.<br /> <br /> Greenhouse effect—Atmospheric heating caused by solar radiation being readily transmitted inward through the earth's atmosphere, with long wave radiation less readily transmitted outward. The greenhouse effect is due to absorption by certain gases in the atmosphere.<br /> <br /> Greenwashing—A superficial nod to the environment that marketers and businesses historically not interested in sustainable concerns do to improve their public relation standings with the consumer or public. Analogous to brainwashing.<br /> <br /> Handmade—Usually a one of a kind, hand-crafted product made without the use of machines and not mass produced. The cost of handmade goods is often higher than machine-made versions if artisans are paid a fair wage and have pride in their craft.<br /> <br /> HAPs—Hazardous air pollutants or air-borne chemical compounds which, in higher concentration levels, could cause adverse effects to the environment and human health.<br /> <br /> Indoor air quality (IAQ)—Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in buildings. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.<br /> <br /> Industrial waste—Unwanted materials from an industrial operation, including liquid, sludge, solid, or hazardous waste.<br /> <br /> ISO 14001—An internationally accepted specification for an environmental management system (EMS). It specifies requirements for establishing an environmental policy, determining environmental aspects and impacts of products/activities/ services, planning environmental objectives and measurable targets, implementation and operation of programs to meet objectives and targets, checking and corrective action, and management review.<br /> <br /> KCMA— Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association is a national trade association representing and servicing cabinet manufacturers in the areas of quality standards, research, and education.<br /> <br /> LCA—Life cycle assessment, or the process of analyzing a product's entire life, from raw materials extraction through manufacturing, delivery, use, and disposal or reuse.<br /> <br /> LEED—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a certification program administered by the U.S. Green Building Council to recognize leadership in environmental design for commercial and residential construction and renovation. It provides a rating system for measuring green performance levels in commercial and residential building projects.<br /> <br /> LEED AP-LEED professional accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process. LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED rating system.<br /> <br /> Low-emitting materials—Materials that reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, potentially irritating, and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.<br /> <br /> Low VOC—A term referring to reduced amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint and finishes. Low VOC paints do not off-gas as much as conventional paints and contain fewer toxins that are harmful to the environment.<br /> <br /> MBDC—McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, environmental consultants who developed the cradle-to-cradle protocol to assess human and ecological impacts of chemicals and materials.<br /> <br /> Medium density fiberboard— A panel or substrate material manufactured from wood fiber and resin. Generally considered the best substrate for laminating veneers.<br /> <br /> Multi-functional—Something that serves more than one purpose. In product and furniture design, multifunctional pieces reduce the need for multiple products, thus using fewer raw resources and reducing clutter in homes and offices.<br /> <br /> Natural—A product that is made from materials and ingredients found in nature, with little or no human processing. For example, wood is a natural material while plastic is not.<br /> <br /> Nontoxic—Something that is not toxic, or poisonous.<br /> <br /> Optimizing or optimization— Equipment and/or software that ensures maximum yield and/or parts from material. Examples include panel optimization software, optimizing rip and cut-off saws, etc.<br /> <br /> Organic—Of or relating to a product that is solely made from plants or insects. Organic materials and products often carry certifications according to industry.<br /> <br /> Particleboard—A panel composed of small particles of wood and wood fiber that are bonded together with synthetic resin adhesives in the presence of heat and pressure.<br /> <br /> Pollution prevention—Reducing the amount of energy, materials, packaging, or water in the design, manufacturing, or purchasing of products or materials in an effort to increase efficient use of resources, reduce toxicity, and eliminate waste.<br /> <br /> Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content—Material that has been recovered after its use as a consumer product. Examples include fleece clothing made from pop bottles and reclaimed carpet tiles used for new tile backing.<br /> <br /> Pre-consumer—Refers to recycled material that came from the manufacturing process. Pre-consumer recycling of scraps and discards diverts waste that may otherwise end up in landfills and reduces use of raw materials.<br /> <br /> Reconstituted veneer—Manmade veneer that uses real wood fiber with natural colorants to simulate various color, figure, and grain seen in real wood veneers.<br /> <br /> Recyclable—A product or material that can be converted back into material that can be used again in manufacturing new goods. Typically, recyclable materials (aluminum, steel, paper, etc.) must remain in their pure form. If too many adhesives are used or a product is made from a composite, those materials may be too hard to separate for recycling.<br /> <br /> Recycled content—Refers to the percentage of recycled materials in a product, generally determined by weight.<br /> <br /> Recycled—To use again or reprocess.<br /> <br /> Regulation vs. law—A Federal agency imposes a regulation. Congress enacts a law.<br /> <br /> Remanufacturing—A recycling concept by which an existing product can have its useful life extended through a secondary manufacturing or refurbishing process such as remanufactured systems furniture.<br /> <br /> Renewable energy—Energy harvested from sources that are not depleted when used, typically causing very low environmental impact. Examples include solar energy, hydroelectric power, and wind power.<br /> <br /> Renewable—A raw material that can be replenished within a reasonable amount of time. Bamboo and sustainably-harvested woods are examples of renewable materials.<br /> <br /> Repurpose—Taking a thing or a material and using it for a purpose not originally intended.<br /> <br /> Re-USe—To use again, whether for the same purpose or re-appropriated for another.<br /> <br /> SCS—Scientific Certification Systems—Is a global leader in independent certification and verification of environmental and sustainability claims. Their Indoor Advantage program is a third-party testing program for low-emitting products and materials. To qualify for certification, products and materials are regularly tested to ensure that their chemical and particle emissions meet acceptable indoor air quality pollutant guidelines and standards. SCS Certification is a voluntary program available to all manufacturers and their suppliers.<br /> <br /> SFI—Sustainable Forest Initiative, a program whose participants practice sustainable forestry on the land they manage. SFI also affects millions of additional acres through the training of loggers and foresters in best management practices and landowner outreach programs. This recognizes that all forest landowners, not just SFI program participants, play a critical role in ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of our forests.<br /> <br /> Small business—A company that employs fewer than 100 people and is usually a privately owned corporation. Small businesses fuel local economic growth and innovation.<br /> <br /> Sustainability—Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the context of forestry, refers to the environmentally conscious processes and procedures for planting, managing, and harvesting timber as directed by forestry certification programs such as SFI and FSC.<br /> <br /> Sustainably-harvested resource— A resource that is harvested in a way that allows its inherent regeneration and continued ongoing supply.<br /> <br /> Toxic material—Any material or waste product that can produce injury if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.<br /> <br /> Tropical Forest Foundation (TFF)—A nonprofit, educational institution dedicated to the conservation of tropical forests through sustainable forestry. TFF has become widely recognized for establishing demonstration models and training schools to show the advantages and teach the principles of sustainable forest management and reducedimpact logging.<br /> <br /> USGBC—U.S. Green Building Council, the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible and profitable, in addition to being healthy places to live and work. The USGBC administers the LEED Green Building Rating System.<br /> <br /> Vintage—Refers something valued for its age, condition, style, or other qualities not available in new products. Generally not as old as antiques.<br /> <br /> VOCs—Volatile organic compounds, which include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher (up to 10 times) indoors than outdoors. They are found in materials commonly used indoors such as paints, cleaning supplies, carpets, building materials, and office equipment including copiers, printers, correction fluids, and permanent markers.<br /> <br /> Waste reduction—A process to reduce or eliminate waste. The creation of waste is a growing environmental problem, as landfills fill up and toxins leach into the ground. The best way to reduce waste is not to create it in the first place.<br /> <br /> Waste-to-energy—The practice of incinerating waste products to generate steam, heat, or electricity.<br /> <br /> Wastewater—Water that has been used and contaminated. Wastewater must be purified before being used again or before being returned to the environment.<br /> <br /> Waterborne finish—A finish composed of minute spheres of resin (most commonly acrylic and polyurethane) suspended in water along with a slow-evaporating solvent, such as glycol ether. When you spread a waterborne finish in the open air, the water begins to evaporate. The solvent, which evaporates more slowly, stays behind and softens the protective coating on the tiny resin "latexes," causing them to bond into one continuous film. Since the solvent is the active ingredient in the curing process, and not the water, the protective coating that results is not affected by moisture, and often has considerable resistance to other substances.<br /> <br /> Wheatboard—Board made of recycled wheat chaff, with an alternative isocyanate binder that uses no formaldehyde, creating an emission-free board.<br /> <br /> Wind turbine—A mechanical device consisting primarily of rotor blades mounted on a tower to capture winds for the generation of electrical power. The growing interest in wind energy in recent years is largely due to the efforts of some industries and industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<br /> <br /> Wood—A natural building material produced by power from the sun and irrigation from rain.<br /> <br /> Zero-VOC—A term used to indicate paint containing no volatile organic compounds. A healthier alternative to conventional paints.

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