Building green

WHAT: American Pride nontoxic paint
IN LIEU OF: Traditional paints WHY: Contains reduced levels of volatile organic compounds
CONTACT: www.americanpridepaint.com, (601) 264-0442  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Smith & Fong Plyboo bamboo wallcovering
IN LIEU OF: Wallpaper or vinyl wallcovering WHY: Contains pest repellent but no toxins
CONTACT: www.plyboo.com, (866) 835-9859  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Oceanside glasstile
IN LIEU OF: Formica or ceramic tile
WHY: Made from recycled glass
CONTACT: www.glasstile.com  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Earth weave natural-fiber carpet
IN LIEU OF: Synthetic carpet
WHY: Biodegradable; made with 100% natural raw materials
CONTACT: www.earthweave.com, (706) 278-8200  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Ecotimber bamboo flooring
IN LIEU OF: Hardwood flooring
WHY: Bamboo grow quickly and is easily replacable in nature.
CONTACT: www.ecotimber.com, (415) 258-8454  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Icestone
IN LIEU OF: Marble or granite
WHY: Made from 75% recycled glass and concrete
CONTACT: www.icestone.biz, (718) 624-4900  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Trex decking
IN LIEU OF: Wood decking
WHY: Made from reclaimed wood and plastic; no toxic chemicals
CONTACT: www.trex.com, (800) 289-8739  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Kirei sorghum board
IN LIEU OF: Wood panel boards
WHY: Sustainable resource, formaldehyde-free
CONTACT: www.kireiusa.com, (619) 236-9924  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Green Sandwich Technologies concrete insulation panels
IN LIEU OF: Wood and steel framing, cement and masonry
WHY: Made from recyclable materials; superior thermal efficiency
CONTACT: www.greensandwichtech.com, (818) 771-5200  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: American Clay earth clay plaster
IN LIEU OF: Conventional paints or plaster
WHY: Made from clays and recycled industrial waste
CONTACT: www.americanclay.com,(866) 404-1634  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Forbo natural linoleum
IN LIEU OF: Vinyl flooring
WHY: Nontoxic and all natural
CONTACT: www.forbo.com, (800) 842-7839  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Greengrid roof modules
IN LIEU OF: Conventional roofing
WHY: Made from recycled plastic; preplanted for an instant green roof
CONTACT: www.greengridroofs.com, (206) 521-7652  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Choicedek recycled plastic lumber
IN LIEU OF: Wood decking
WHY: Made from 100% recycled wood and plastic
CONTACT: www.choicedek.com, (800) 951-5117  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Hardiplank fiber cement siding
IN LIEU OF: Wood siding
WHY: Asbestos-free, non-combustible and needs little maintenance
CONTACT: www.jameshardie.com, (888) 542-7343  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)

WHAT: Syndecrete
IN LIEU OF: Poured concrete
WHY: Recycled; no waste created during manufacture
CONTACT: www.syndesisinc.com, (310) 829-993  (Eric Staudenmaier / For The Times)