15. USE ENGINEERED WOOD FOR HEADERS, JOISTS,AND SHEATHING

Description: Solid sawn lumber in sizes of 2X10 or greater typically comes from old growth forests. Engineered lumber products, however, come from smalldiameter and fast growing plantation trees. 2X10 and larger dimensional lumber is typically used for floor and ceiling joists and some seismic applications. Large size lumber can be replaced with engineered lumber (microlam, paralam, gluelam) in most applications unless required by seismic codes. Solid sawn 4X6s are often used for headers when smaller dimension lumber would suffice, such as double 2X6s, unless solid 4X6s are required by seismic codes.Wood I-Joists are an alternative to 2X6s or 2X8s used for floor and roof joists.

Benefits: Reducing demand for large dimensional lumber decreases pressure to cut down old growth forests. Engineered lumber uses wood fiber more efficiently that conventional lumber, resulting in stronger and higher quality homes.

16. USE RECYCLED-CONTENT INSULATION, DRYWALL,AND CARPET

Description: Recycled-content insulation, drywall, and carpet are made from recycles paper, recycled plastic and glass bottles, recycled wool or recycled cotton. They don’t differ in appearance or performance and the prices are comparable to conventional products.

Benefits: Recycled-content materials save resources and divert waste from landfills. Approximately 40 two-liter soda bottles are recycled into each square yard of recycled-content carpeting. Recycled-content insulation may contain up to 30% recycled glass.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

17. USE LOW- OR NO-VOC PAINT

Description: No-VOC paint does not emit odors related to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products like paint, adhesives, cleaning supplies, etc. No- VOC paint is used exactly like conventional paint. No- VOC paints are most suitable for indoor use.

Benefits: Use of low- or no-VOC paint can eliminate the eye, nose, and throat irritation, loss of coordination, and potentially damage to the liver and central nervous system caused by VOCs. Outside,VOCs can bond with other pollutants and create ground-level ozone.

18. USE FORMALDEHYDE-FREE OR FULLY SEALED MATERIALS FOR CABINETS AND COUNTERS

Description: Particleboard typically contains formaldehyde, which can offgas for 10-15 years. EPA ranks formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. Exposure can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, skin rashes, headaches, nosebleeds and nausea.

Benefits: Elimination of formaldehyde-based materials reduces exposure to residents, particularly children, who are most susceptible. Sealing with a flat, latexbased primer or other suitable material can prevent the offgassing of formaldehyde.

19.VENT RANGEHOOD TOTHE OUTSIDE

Description: Steam, gases, smoke and other combustion by-products (such as unburned hydrocarbons) can result from cooking. Stovetop range hoods expel these by-products to the outside.

Benefits: Range hoods improve indoor air quality, prevent overheating and reduce moisture build-up.

20. INSTALL CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

Description: Carbon monoxide detectors monitor the level of this gas in individual dwelling units.

Benefits: Detectors can reduce harmful human health effects of carbon monoxide, a common indoor air pollutant created by the combustion of natural gas from stoves and heaters.