[Linda Graves]

This article from the SF Chronicle was in our paper this morning. 
I was surprised to learn that Richlite contained formaldehyde in the resins.  I thought that quickly eliminated anything from being considered “green”.

Linda

[Lenny E]

Hi Linda,

Green is based on lots of requirements. Certain bamboo species for example contain “natural formaldehyde” but I would still consider bamboo green. The formaldehyde in Richlite no doubt comes from phenolic resin. (one of the first polymers, phenol- formaldehyde,  better known as Bakelite).

Also you need to consider the level of formaldehyde, does it pass green guard etc.?

The article touched on the complexity of green by examining carbon footprint. If you need to import bamboo, then Richlite locally produced may be a “greener” alternative.

What are everyone elses thoughts?

 

[Wags]

Richlite is nothing but regular old laminate but made with recycled paper rather than virgin paper. Personally the more I look at green products it seems, they are “green” cause the companies make more “green” off of them. I believe in being responsible with the products I consume, and I want to eliminate waste and keep our earth as “natural” as possible BUT, too many products are green washed, not green.

I agree with you Lenny, we have to look at the total footprint of products. Does it make sense for ice stone, which is made in NY, to import glass from Chicago ? There has to be glass closer. Or does it make sense for Avonite to ship acrylic strips from Kentucky to New Mexico to grin up and put in new sheets.? Is that really green? I don’t know the answers, but. sometimes you just need to take the “gut” test. And for the record I HAVE the gut for it !

[Un-Authorized]

Posted By Wags on 04 Apr 2009 08:33 PM
Personally the more I look at green products it seems, they are “green” cause the companies make more “green” off of them.

Wags:

I have to agree. My cynicism tank was running low, thanks for the fill-up.

Joe

[Wags]

Joe…

I really am not a negative person, but I’m just sick and tired of the dishonesty all around us. No matter where you look you see and hear dishonesty, from our politicians, our media, and most every industry. I long for someone to tell the truth, about anything. Are we really that far gone that everyone (excpet on fabnet ) Lies all the time? I would love to hear a politican tell me, folks, were out of money, we all need to tighten our belt. The goverment has run up its credit card till they are being declined. We need to get back to basics, we all need to pitch in an do what we know needs to be done. No longer can the government try and buy your vote by promising you “stuff” we can’t afford. … yea……right that’s gonna happen.

[Andy Graves]

I personally like the idea of “Eco” friendly products, I just wish they were honest about how they compare to other product lines within the industry. I just can’t believe that these products are that much better for the earth, but maybe they are.

[Paul Yonally]

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I agree with Wags on green washing. 
I would encourage people to do their own research on green
products.  Does Richlite really use
recycled paper for its product?  I think
you will find that Richlite uses virgin paper for most of their colors.  Where does the oil come from for their phenol
resin?  There are products that use 100%
recycled paper and no petroleum oil to make their product.  There are also cement recycled glass
countertop material that use locally curb side recycled glass for their
products instead of shipping glass across the counter or from outside the USA.  There are bamboo suppliers that are claiming
that their bamboo is FSC certified when it is not.  There are companies that are dictated to
being green.

Paul

[Curt Herrmann]

Wags,   Dupont makes the list!

Curt

http://247wallst.com/2009/04/02/the-%E2%80%9Cgreen%E2%80%9D-hypocrisy-america%E2%80%99s-corporate-environment-champions-pollute-the-world/

[Author]

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