A safer artificial turf
The 2009 International Builder Show in Las Vegas this year is full of hope of a greener, stronger building industry. The big players in the build industry all flaunted their energy efficient products and foam insulation vendors seemed like a dime a dozen. The words, “energy star,” was the favorite buzz words of the day.
As a recap, Day 1 was spent in the Center building of the Show, and I can honestly say, I missed most of the vendors. There was so much to see and very little time to spend with many of the companies. Some of my favorites were listed in my Day 1 summary.
On Day 2, I spent most my time in the South building of the convention center, which contained an eclectic mix of companies from Castor oil based insulation to a soy based paint removal product. There was no telling where “green” building products would surface in this section of the Show. Listed below are some of my finds, so read on.
Field Turf Green
Field Turf Tarkett produces field turf both with in fill (rubber) and their newest product, a 100% recyclable polyethlene turf. The back of the turf is from recycled materials (see picture above.) In recent years, the question as to whether field turfs are safe has been debated. A recent study showed that rubber in the artificial turf off-gasses. In addition, there has been concerns over the elevated heat generated from the turf during hot weather. (See the following NY Times’ article.) In addition, another study posed concerns over lead concentrations in the small in fill granules ingested by children.
Field Turf ‘s new addition to its product line is a safer field of dreams. (See the picture above at the beginnning of the article.) According to the Company, their newest product does not contain lead or rubber in fill and can be 100% recycled at the end of its life. The turf heats up to 20 degrees above ambient outdoor temperatures, so when it is very hot outside and the turf is in direct sunlight, children should not play on the field. Have a dog? No worries, dog urine and poop do not ruin the turf. Simply hose it off.
The product comes with a eight year warranty, twenty year life, and the cost for this product, depending upon the amount of base work needed, ranges from $8-$15 a square foot.
Nortiz Tankless Water Heater
When I think of tankless water heaters, Rinnai always comes to mind. So what makes Nortiz different? This product is a gas/propane product with a dual flame burner and a cooper heat exchanger. According to the Company, no other tankless water heater manufacturer offers this dual flame burners, which makes the unit very efficient. Its second row of burners burn the escaped gas from its first row.
In warmer climates, the unit can heat water for four bathroom. In colder climates, the unit can service 3 bathrooms. The Company t0uts their technical support, and the unit can be installed in a garage or outside (depending on climate).
The particular model pictured above is 93 % efficient, and has a condensate neutralizer unit which reduces the cost of installation of the unit. A PVC vent pipe can be installed rather than stainless steel since the condensate neutralizer keeps the unit cooler. (Although, this sounds like a plus, I am not a fan of PVC for environmental purposes.) The cost for the above model is approximately $2300 uninstalled.
Foametix
Foametix is a spray foam consisting of 16% Castor oil and sucrose and 84% polyurethane. Just what your mother ordered. It comes in 1/2lb open cell, 1 lb open cell, and closed cell. The 1/2 lb was very flexible when I pushed on it. The 1 lb is more like a mix between rigid insulation and foam.
Why castor oil rather than soy? According to the Company, Castor oil has a longer shelf life compared to soy. Thus, the balance of the Castor oil foam can be used for another job.
Green Choice Flooring
Green Choice Flooring offers a variety of exotic renewal flooring that is not your sister’s bamboo. Flooring choices include exotic palmwood made of coconut trees, mulberry from mulberry bushes, and standwoven bamboo, which is strips of bamboo that are woven together. The products carry a 25 year residential warranty and 5 year commercial warranty. The products are formaldehyde free, anti-microbial and are stained using low VOC products.
Pictured above is cross view of some of the different choices offered by the Company.
DaVinci roof tiles
DaVinci roof tiles provide a sustainable alternative to slate without the weight or cost. (Shake shingles are available too.) The Company’s roof tiles are made of TPO and can be recycled at the end of their life. The ridges on the underside of the planks reduces heat on the underside of the panels. A roofing square costs approximately $400 and carry a fifty year warranty.
There were numerous other products that I adored from IQ Air (an air purifier), Viking’s induction ranges, Kichler’s LED strip lighting, to Eco-piers for concrete forms. Tomorrow is another day, and another group of green stars. Stay tuned.
Acne products says
January 23, 2009 at 12:57 pmThis is all well and good but what about the time and energy these products take to manufacture. It’s nice that they are “sustainable” after they are finished and whatnot but think about the factories spewing out smoke and other pollutants into the air and surround landscape during the process of making these products. Doesn’t really seem that green…
velvet350 says
January 24, 2009 at 10:40 amI agree 100% with Acme Products comment.
Everyone is so quick to call something “Green” but at what cost to the environment?
It says children should not play on it when it is very hot outside and the turf is in direct sunlight. I would not let children or animals on it any time.
Green Talk says
January 24, 2009 at 5:36 pmI agree with you about the artificial turf. Many people do not think it is an issue. Rubber infill causes alot of issues. This new turf eliminates the rubber issues so it makes it safer. The company feels that you should have your children playing outside in extreme heat anyways.
Some people feel that articial turfs are the way to go because it reduces pesticide use and water. I included this company in the article because of their reduction in risk for those who still think turf is the way to go.
As for manufacturing, emissions, etc. I absolutely see your point but my feeling is someone is going to make it so let’s make sure it is manufactured keeping the environment in mind as well as being a safe product to be around our families. I especially applaud companies making products to keep our houses more energy efficient and less toxic. Thoughts? Anna
Wranger says
February 3, 2009 at 9:55 amI agree with you about the artificial turf. Many people do not think it is an issue. Rubber infill causes alot of issues. This new turf eliminates the rubber issues so it makes it safer.