[Greenbuilding] Searching for "Green" window options

[Mary Bull - Greenwood Earth Alliance]

Hi Peter and Everyone!

We are discovering that more and more small and medium-sized window and door
builders are into making them from previously used or salvaged materials.
Don't be timid about asking them! There are also some salvage yards that
mill lumber from downed or otherwise removed urban trees--so the wood is
new, but not from forests. We are having our windows made by local
craftspeople from Doug fir salvaged locally, and costing less than windows
made by industrial companies.

Also, if you do not already have a design, you can get windows of excellent
quality from demolition sales, which are happening all the time, all over
the Bay Area, for instance--and design with what you find--for far less than
new and with no impact on forests.

You cannot, of course, trust FSC or SFI labels--the FSC lie is compounding
monthly with a constant influx of reports of terrible certifications (I am
on a discussion list and can supply some of the latest travesties if any one
is interested). So, reclaimed window or windows made from salvaged wood are
your best bet if you care for the environment.

Cheers and Good Luck!

Mary


Mary Bull, Co-director
Greenwood Earth Alliance, Save the Redwoods - Boycott the Gap Campaign
252 Frederick, San Francisco, CA 94117 http://www.gapsucks.org
Chalice Farm and Sustainable Living Center, 748 Montgomery Rd, Sebastopol CA
95472
415-731-7924 - 415-509-1188 chalicenew at earthlink.net


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Stone" <stonepub at mac.com>
To: <greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org>
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2006 12:57 PM
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Searching for "Green" window options


> Anyone have suggestions for least impact (on the environment that is)
> windows?
>
> Wood seems the only option, but has the disadvantage of being sourced
> from who knows where and higher maintenance. I live in tropical high
> humidity climate and was wondering what the options are for other,
> perhaps reclaimed materials?
>
> I have ruled out any PVC derivatives for obvious reasons, but what
> about Fiberglass? Anyone with more expertise have any thoughts or
> suggestions?
>
> -- Peter
>
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