Research

* Got a reply from Dal Tile via email

They have a manufacturing plant in Lewisport, KY.  At this plant they quarry products out.

Research

Got links to look into locations of manufacturers of my healthy alternatives to carpet. 

http://www.amtilestone.com/manufacturers.html

This website showed me all the ceramic tile manufacturers.

Dal-Tile 

* Contacted via email about their seven manufacturing plants within the United States to see if any are  in Kentucky

Did find one manfacturing plant in Kentucky dedicated to making ceramic tiles, which is: Florida Tile Inc. in Lawrenceburg, KY.

Also I contacted via email Karen Lefler, a worker for KY Cabinet for Economic Development in the department of Office of Research and Public Affairs.  Found her information from www.ThinkKentucky.com.  She recommended that I search the Think Kentucky website, which I had already done and didn't find anything.  Also, she said I should check out North American IndustryClassification System (NAICS).  I have checked out the website and got the codes for the different flooring materials under the category of manufacturing from the U.S. Census Bureau.  There wasn't any code for bamboo or certified wood.

* Linoleum 326192 (none within KY)

* Ceramic Tiles 327122 (2 within KY)

* Cork 321999 (31 within KY, but that is under the category of "All other miscellaneous wood product manufacturing.  So isn't just referring to cork flooring manufacturing)

I went and contacted via email the Census Bureau departmarts of NAICS and Economics asking if they would be able to give me the locations of the 2 ceramic tile and 31 cork products manfacturing plants within Kentucky.

With cork flooring, found website http://www.floorfacts.com/corkfloors.asp with many cork flooring manufacturers listed.  Just need to contact them about their locations.

Research

In the process of trying to figure out if there are any manufacturers of linoleum, ceramic tiles, bamboo, certified wood, and cork within Kentucky.  I have contacted the Mid-States Bamboo Group, but haven't heard back.  I'm also having the issue that when I try to search for the manufacturers of the materials I get results for companies that sell the products and don't manufacture them.  So I'm a little stuck in how to proceed from here.


Contacted the American Bamboo Society Mid State Chapter President Daniel Fox

Reading 8

Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

Chapter 6 Pages 157 - 186

Throughout this chapter the reference to the Ford company and its venture towards creating a healthier system for workers and the environment were referred to.  It's also through this idea of creating a better means to make cars that the idea of the automobile will change too.  Hopefully for the better.  

The idea of items being "free of" something doesn't always mean anything good.  This could mean that something worse was put into the item.  It's important for consumers to know what is within an item.  Consumers need to ask to gain knowledge.

There are lists out there that categorize items for consumers to know better about the products they are buying.  A list known as "Gray List" which means the items on the list "contain problematic substances that are not quite so urgently in need of phase out." (p 174)  Also the "P List" is considered to be a "positive list" that "includes substances actively defined as healthy and safe for use." (p 175)  Consumers need to consider what they are buying, and what the items contain.

Research

Looking into carpet recycling centers in KY and bamboo growing places in KY.

American Bamboo Society - Mid States Chapter
membership@bamboo.org

* Emailed 10/27/11 to get information on locations of members


Cali Bamboo
*Emailed to try and get samples

Class Day 10

Need to find any carpet recycling place, carpet sellers, carpet makers, and healthy flooring in KY (500 miles).

Presentations:

"Insulation Materials" by Helda

Looked into UK sponsored insulation projects.  Like at the Johnson Center they have a collection box to gather denim jeans to make insulation.  Cellulose insulation is something she looked into.  She got a sample, and it's made in KY.  The sample was composed of newspapers.  The blue jean denim insulation process seems rather simple, and doesn't contain any hazards.  


"Paint and Pollution" by Mallory


Contacted Sherwin Williams to ask about what is on the market, and their take on the no and low VOC labels.  Did experiments with a variety of paints mixtures, and found a wide range of results.  Would like to maybe try painting on her own walls with the best solution.  


"Healthy Alternatives to Carpet" by me


"Concrete" by Mark


The idea of melting glass bottles down to recycle into concrete isn't a bad alternative, and seems the best way to recycle glass bottles.  This is because companies don't want a mixture of colored glass bottles; they just want their one color for advertising.  He actually went so far as to make his own concrete with glass pieces counter top.  


"Refrigeration Systems" by Jeremy


The refrigeration systems are changing today.  Some companies like Coke have advanced their systems to be somewhat better.  While others are still unhealthy and off gassing continuously.  Want to address question of architects can't use refrigerates and instead what do we need to do.  That's a hard question to answer.  


"Kudzu" by Bridgette


Looking into kudzu in fiberboard.  She did an experiment with kudzu, resin, and a press.  The kudzu that she placed in a pot, actually grew even with resin on.  It's also safe for animals because her dog act some and didn't get sick. 


"SIPS" by Miles


He was very upset with the way the HBEER project is being done.  The idea of construction waste is a major issue being faced.  This can change through education and enforcement.  He went and visited the Toyota supplier, and saw all the waste products there.  

Bamboo Research

Bamboo Hardwood Flooring

Kevin Koga

KKoga@bamboohardwoods.com

10/25/11 @ 7:36 PM

Where do you get the bamboo from?

Mostly China, some from Vietnam

If outside the US, why isn't it grown locally?

Bamboo grows in US. There aren’t any US manufacturers of bamboo flooring

What are the pros of using bamboo flooring? Any negatives?

Rapidly renewable resource, sequesters carbon, no clearcutting of tree forests, FSC certified, E-0 compliant, CARB 1&2 complaint

How much does the bamboo flooring cost?

Varies

Do you sell mainly locally or around the US?

Both

What is the expected life of bamboo flooring?

25 years

Is there a coating put on bamboo flooring?  If so, what is it and is it toxic?

Yes, you would finish flooring. E-0 compliant, no offgassing, CARB 1&2 compliant.

Do you make the flooring or is it done elsewhere then brought to you?

We make it

How is the bamboo flooring made?

Didn't answer

Would I be able to get samples?

Didn't answer

I feel like these companies just don't want to give the time to help me.  I want them to answer these answers indepth, but they don't seem to really even care.  This can be seen in the way that Kevin didn't even answere two of my questions.

Bamboo Research

I emailed Kevin Koga at Bamboo Hardwood Flooring with my questions about bamboo.

Here are my questions:

* Where do you get the bamboo from?  If outside the US, why isn't it grown locally?

* What are the pros of using bamboo flooring?  Any negatives?

* How much does the bamboo flooring cost?

* Do you sell mainly locally or around the US?

* What is the expected life of bamboo flooring?

* Is there a coating put on bamboo flooring?  If so, what is it and is it toxic?

* Do you make the flooring or is it done elsewhere then brought to you?

* How is the bamboo flooring made?

* Would I be able to get samples?

Class Day 9

Becca Self
Education Director
Seedleaf

Works with the idea of food systems and being sustainable with them.  The three legged stool of sustainable when dealing with agriculture: environmental, economic, and community.  Beer and cigarette companies supply signs to markets that they display, while the healthier food choices don't.  There is an obesity-hunger paradox, which relies on convenience to keep going. Poor people can't afford any healthy food, so they buy fattening food.  In downtown Lexington, we have an area called "food desert".  This means they have no access to large retail grocery stores.  

Seedleaf started in 2007, and decided to start playing around the idea of growing food in these bad areas.  They grow food, and also gardeners.  Teach people how to grow, cook, and compost.  

There is no perfect system!!!

One of the systems they are hoping to establish better is the idea of aquaponics.  It uses the connection between fish and plants.  The fish water gets dirty, and the plants drink the water and filter the harmful items out and them the clean water goes back to the fish tank.  It's a never ending cycle.


*Important date:  Have blog into book form to send off to blurb.

Research

Look what I got in the mail from Forbo...got a Forbo Product Guide 2011, Sustain Straight to the Points, Forbo Cleaning and Care Guide 2011, Environment Brochure 2006, 1 Marmoleum Real sample, 1 Marmoleum Composition Tile (MCT) sample, and 1 Marmoleum Dual sample.

The Marmoleum, Marmoleum Dual Tile, and MCT contain 46.5% recycled content, which is wood flour and tall oil.  The indoor environmental quality of all three tiles with their adhesive meets the requirements set, and consists of low emitting materials.  Marmoleum contains 33% by weight of renewable materials including linseed oil, pine rosin, and jute.  Marmoleum Dual Tile and MCT contain 23% by weight of renewable materials including linseed oil and pine rosin.  

The rosin used is a key agent in the first step of making the Marmoleum tiles.  It is tapped from pine trees, which doesn't affect the tree's growth.  Along with linseed oil, the two give the tiles their strength and flexible qualities.  Linseed oil is the most important raw material used in the tiles.  It comes from the pressing of the seeds from the flax plant.  In the past, it was used as a cooking oil and for lighting.  The linseed oil is mixed with Tall oil, which is a recycled post-industrial by-product of the Kraft paper industry.  This helps pout the oxidation process in the production of the tiles.  Jute is the backing material used.  It's natural, and comes from the yarn form of the webbing spun from jute grown in India and Bangladesh.  The pigments used are ecologically responsible pigments that don't contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium.  Other materials in the tiles include wood flour, cork flour, and limestone.

In the production of linoleum the main impact is due to the amount of energy used.  The whole process consists of oxidation, mixing, calendaring, and drying.  For years, Forbo has been working on lower the amount of energy they us, and in 2004 they managed an energy saving of 3.2%.  The energy sources used are electricity and natural gas.  

All over the world, Forbo has obtained numerous awards for being environmentally friendly.  In the US, Desk Top and Bulletin Board received an environment award in 1997.  The Sequoia Award is given to organizations that demonstrate environmental innovation and leadership in conservation techniques, applications and processes.  Also, they received from Buildings Magazine's Innovations Award for 'Environmental Sensivity' at the Neocom World's Trade Fair in 1998, 1999, and 2001.

Marmoleum consumes about 28-35 kg of oil during the production process.  The amount of CO2 released is about 29-36 kg.  

The tiles life span is around 25-40 years, and after that the floors need to be replaced and disposed of properly.  The options for disposing of the old tiles are incineration or landfill.  With incineration the burning of linoleum is about the same amount of CO2 released as the raw materials within the tiles.  The linoleum is a closed loop system, which means the energy obtained from incinerating linoleum is roughly equivalent to, or even more than, that which is used in production.  With landfilling the tiles, the linoleum can safely be added to landfill refuse sites where it natural decomposes.  Linoleum is biodegradable and doesn't release any harmful substances or gases.  

Bamboo Research

Orion Trading Group

Contacted to ask who to question about bamboo and maybe get samples.  They are located in California and sell bamboo stalks around the country.  

Strand Woven Bamboo Process

Strand woven bamboo flooring is the most durable bamboo on market now.  The strand is 90% of the flooring mass and 10% is the glue.  

The raw bamboo is split into bamboo pieces.  This strips of bamboo then need to be broken down the middle.  It doesn't break the bamboo fibers.  This breaking of the pieces allow for the adhesive to hold better when it comes to gluing the pieces together.  That makes the process of flattening out easier.

Bamboo contains sugar, protein, carbohydrates, starch, fat, and wax more than wood.  This makes bamboo susceptible to mold and insects.  Carbonizing them removes all the organic parts through the use of high temperatures.  This helps to extend the life and quality of the bamboo.

The carbonized bamboo strips are then dipped into an adhesive, and then is hung up to drain the excess off.

Then it's on to the press machine for the bamboo strips.  The cold press puts about 2000 tons on the strips in a 15 minute span per log.  One mold equals one log.  After being pressed, the mold is moved on to dry and allow the adhesive to get stronger.  After drying the mold is then taken off.

These logs were what was taken off from the mold.  The sides are already cut and ready for the next step in the process.  

These are the logs without their mold with 2 ends cut.

Here are the logs with 4 sides cut.

Then the logs are slices into boards.  They can't be sanded and finished down like normal wood flooring, instead it has to be cut.  The flooring pieces are then placed in conditioning rooms for weeks.  This is a must in the process because it stops the bamboo flooring from cupping or bending after installation.  The flooring pieces have small holes in them from the slicing that a putty is first put on and sanded down.  Then the finishing coat is applied.

Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons

Hardwood trees take around a 100 years to mature enough for it to be cut down and made into flooring materials.  Bamboo on the other hand only takes about 3 to 5 years to grow enough in order to be the right size to cut down for flooring.  Also, since bamboo is a grass it doesn't need to be replanted about being cut.  It just continues to grow back, and doesn't need pesticides for it to grow.  The variety of colors in bamboo flooring is due to the amount of heat exerted on the bamboo.  Bamboo floor sadly isn't resist to scratching, chipping, or denting.  This makes it somewhat similar to typical hardwood flooring.  There are two types of bamboo flooring: engineered and stranded.  The engineered bamboo flooring isn't 100% bamboo, instead it is considered in piles; the more piles the stronger the flooring is.  

The problems associated with bamboo growing is the amount of space being cleared for bamboo growth, the large amount of chemical fertilizers used, increase in erosion due to clearing of spaces, the soil is losing its qualities, and there is a lose of local plants due to the changing of the landscape.  Sadly, no bamboo companies have a credible environmental certification.  Some problems with bamboo also is that in direct sunlight it can bleach, there is no Fair Trade certification with it, it can't be sourced locally, and it will stain easily if not sealed right.

The benefits of bamboo flooring are is easy to clean, it's non-allergenic, and is long lasting.  The benefits it holds over other hardwoods are it costs up to 50% less, it's easy to install, it can be installed in a variety of ways (nailed, floated, or glued down), it's a renewable source, some companies use safer resins, and it's fire resistant.  

Cali Bamboo

* Emailed about who to contact with questions and asked for samples.

Bamboo Research

Scott Smith, Dean of Agriculture, emailed me back saying that from his knowledge on bamboo in Kentucky...it is only grown for ornamental purposes.  He recommended I contact: Rick Durham or Win Dunwell in the Horticulture Department.

Rick Durham, Associate Extension Professor, Consumer Horticulture

(859) 257-3249

rdurham@uky.edu

Win Dunwell, Extension Professor, Nursery Crops

(270) 365-7541 Ext. 209

wdunwell@uky.edu

Reading 7





Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

Chapter 5 Pages 118 - 156

This chapter deals with the idea of repeating diversity of all types, especially the connection of the environment and our society.  Diversity is a good thing that everyone should keep in mind and try to follow.  We as a culture need to go through a "de-evolution" that would result in a simplification on a mass scale.  This would help out society greater towards being healthier. 

"...fitting-est who thrive." (p 120)

The "fitting-est" individuals are the ones who are energetic and engage in a relationship between them and the place they are within.  An example are ants.  There are a variety of ant types, but each interact on diffferent leves of the same space.  Like in a tree, there are a type of ants of the branches and another type on the leaves.  In a way, they work together to some degree. 

The industries of today need to involve themselves with their surroundings (both setting and culture).  They need to begin thinking "local" because that is considered a sustainable route.  If they go outside local, it can affect there own space.  Because by bringing in new things into their setting, they could maybe harm their ecosystem.

When it comes to sewage treatment, the idea of a "living machine" is emerging.  Incorporated in this "living machine" is actually nature itself.  So putting nature together with our sewage could help both of us out whether it be food for animals, or a cleaner environment with less waste for us. 

We have become an indoor culture due to our materials and this idea of comfort that we praise.  We need to begin merging ancient ways and new technology together to create safer systems for everyone.  It's amazing how simple things like placing the thermostat in a different place like towards the workers and not the machines (that give off heat) can help cut costs and help the temperature to relate to the people and not the machines.

Certain types of energy depend on the climate.  Like with with wind power, the area has to get large amounts of wind and also have enough space for the massive wind mills.  This idea of the environment and us working together needs to grow.  We should begin to treat and adapt our buildings to be like trees.  That is help purify the air, create shade, enrich the soil, and change with the seasons.  Our cities should become forests.

In China, Styrofoam ("white pollution") is plaguing them.  The idea of creating biodegradeable trash that can be thrown out of the train window is a thiving ideal.  This way they could promote people to litter, and it would help the environment.  We need to protect nature.

Why do we work at/with harmful companies?

How can we not work with them?  They provide jobs and goods for people.  How can we say no?  We can't escape their grasp.

This diagram pieces ecology (top), economy (bottom right) and equity (bottom left) together.  Economy refers to capitalism, equity to social, and ecology to environment.  Between economy and equity there is a shift towards fairness.  Between equity and ecology the idea of questioning how safe settings are come into play.  Between ecology and economy eco-efficiency emerges.

Slow Death By Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things by Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie

Chapter 4 Pages 96 - 130

The use of flame retardants is/was very popular, even though it's not safe for the users.  This use of bromine as a flame retardant isn't healthy, and yet we are subjecting ourselves to it.  Yet there aren't too many bromines in the world.  Somehow we find enough to contaminate ourselves...

"The fellow we met with said, 'Of course, we need flame retardants on furniture, because kids are playing with matches.'  I mean they were seriously saying that we need the flame retardants in furniture so the kids can go on playing with matches.  I will never forget it." (p 100)

What kids are playing with matches?  Shouldn't that responsibility be on the parents, and not on the furniture.

The bromine in flame retardants is a known carcinogen and mutagen, and we are poisoning our future generations with it.  Children may die from their pajamas catching on fire, but it is worth the cost of pumping chemicals into their developing systems?  These children are out future and we are polluting them. 

It's ironic that Richard Simpson, the Chairman of the CPSC, believes that if something is bad for our health there would be a ban on it.  Yet these isn't.  Look at the other hazardous things that are in the world killing people, and yet there is no ban.  How is it companies can get away with putting chemicals that hurt consumers in their products?  Money drives us to do crazy and dangerous things.


We should start to recognize the things we put into our systems aren't good, when the animals we use for food die from eating it.  Shouldn't that be a sign for all of us, and for the companies to stop.  Such a simple mistake like putting the wrong ingredient in feed for animals, resulted in thousands of animals being put down, and thousand of kilograms of diseased food.  And what we did with the contaminated food...we buried it in pits throughout Michigan...that doesn't seem too safe.  


The government should be control, yet it isn't!  Public health appears to not be a priority.


It's crazy to think that future archeologists will be able to base the toxic chemicals we used into different eras.  That is how we will be remembered.


Companies will do anything to ensure that they will continue going on to manufacture and earn from their products made.  Even if it means putting out ads telling people to put flame retardants on everything to ensure kids won't catch the furniture on fire when they play with matches.  There was no mention of the health effects these flame retardants had on the children...

Bamboo Research

Since I wasn't able to get any answers from Bamboo Hardwoods that I needed I decided to go search elsewhere for myself because bamboo interests me.

Bamboo Now

Bamboo is a very renewable source because on average it grows 2 inches an hour, which is four times faster than wood.  It also helps to control the amount of CO2 in the air by consuming 35% more than other woods.  Bamboo also helps by not needing a lot of water to grow.  A great side effect to growing bamboo is that it leaves the soil and water it uses in better shape than when it first started.  We get our bamboo right now from overseas in Asia; the United States is the largest importer of bamboo in the world.  There really hasn't been a move towards growing any bamboo in the US, since we can just get it overseas with less hassel.

College of Agriculture

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture posted a paper online about bamboo.  I'm thinking to contact them and try to see if they are growing bamboo.

Scott Smith, Ph. D.

Dean of College of Agriculture

859-257-4771

mssmith@uky.edu

*Emailed 10/14/11


Would like to maybe trying growing bamboo indoors.

Class Day 8

We set a game plan for the rest of the semester.

Important dates: Thursday, October 27th, 2011 - Powerpoint Presentation Round 2 and Thursday, December 1st, 2011 - Final Powerpoint Presentation.

Also, we discussed the blog book we have to get printed, and that that should be in pdf form ready to send out to be made before Thanksgiving.

Humans and animals greatly differ when it comes to consumption.  Like for examples ants have a small biomass, and they really leave no waste products behind.  Unlike us...

Materials vary from history because now a days we genetically mutate them to fit our needs.  Which goes against the natural qualities of the material.  

Cities greatly impact the climate.  Industry is a great killer too.  They create new products, and allow products that are hazardous to our health out in the world.  Products need to last, but if they last very long that shuts down jobs for people.  So products are made to expire at a set time, in order to make consumers buy more.  

We are the future.  We need to be educated, and also educate others in the pursue of a happy livable environment. 


Also throughout the class Sarah Heller asked us questions in order to spark questions to continue the conversation going.
* Discuss the role of industry and how humans differ from any other species on the planet with respect to material consumption?
* How does the concentration of population in an urban setting directly impact the adjacent environment?
* How does consumerism is our culture differ from Before and After the Great Depression and World War Era?
* Should we as a society challenge the concept of waste and how?
* In Chapter 3, McDonough describes the "The New Design Assignment" - How does this concept impact the role of the architect?  The role of architecture school?
* How does the research we are conducting in this elective relate to the contemporary role of architecture and interior design?
* What concepts learned in this class will effect your personal philosophy and practice once you graduate with a Master's degree in Architecture?
* Chapter 2 of Cradle to Cradle, William Rathje is quoted as saying "Recycling is an aspirin, alleviating a rather large collective hangover...overconsumption." - Based on the readings and our tour of the recycling facility in Lexington what do we need to do as a culture to confront the concept of overconsumption?
* Why is it important for architects to know how to conduct independent research?


It's through these questions that the conversation continued to go throughout the class period. I was able to give my opinion throughout the class too, which can be seen throughout my thought typed above about the class.

Reading 6

Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

 Chapter 4 Pages 92 - 117

This whole chapter circulated about the idea of making waste into food.  This processing of recycling is something that we should revert back to.  The nomadic way of life was a healthy one for the people and the environment.  Our new ways have ruined us in the present and the future.

There are two different types of masses: biological and technical.  Biological masses deal with the biosphere and natural items, while technical masses deal with industry and are man-made.  These two masses can be reused or recycled, except for when you start combining two unlike materials.  

The rise of cities lead to sanitation problems world wide.  Even today, the "treated" sewage isn't really treated because it still contains harmful parts.  

It's sad that today people want to always be the first to use a new product they brought.  No one really wants to buy used items.  They want to be the first to use it!  "This virgin product is mine, for the very first time.  When I am finished with it (special, unique person that I am), everyone is.  It is history." (p. 102-103)  It's crazy that we all have that mentality in us.  Everyone seems to strive for it.

The creation of hybrid materials, like PET, seemed good in the beginning, but long-term they are bad.  They are unhealthy for us the consumers.  When the book mentioned about the mill that converted into a healthy environment to sell environmentally friendly fabric, it was crazy about the regulators.  The regulators couldn't believe that an industrial plant wasn't contributing harmful particles into the water.  When an item is compostable and safe for people, it seems easier to make a healthier and safer factory to product it.

The thing with technical products is when you melt them down, you can only combine them with the same item melted down.  This is help retain the original products quality.  Metals and plastics are prime examples of this.

They mention carpet are pages 112-113!!!

The end of the chapter made me feel scared to wear shoes again...flip flops it is...

Interview

Flor
Direct Marketing Manager answered questions
Heather Arnett, FLOR Sales Associate Sr., forwarded questions to DMM

10/7/11 @ 9:50 AM Replied

How much do you sell yearly?

We are not at liberty to disclose company financial information.

Is it hard to maintain FLOR tiles?

No, FLOR carpet squares can be easily cleaned in the sink, air dried and placed back good as new.  For details on care and maintenance of FLOR, please visit (http://www.flor.com/maintenance ) 


How much on average does it cost for a tile?
FLOR products range from $8.99 per square to $40.00 per square. 


Are FLOR tiles healthier than regular carpet?
Unlike many other rugs or carpeting options, FLOR products are made with renewable and recycled content and most styles are recyclable through our Return & Recycle Program (http://www.flor.com/recycle ).  For more details on the philosophy behind the design of FLOR, visit (http://www.flor.com/design-philosophy ) and here for information on our sustainability efforts (http://www.flor.com/sustainability ) 


What are the tiles made of?The raw materials in FLOR varies by style, with 100% Nylon face fibers among the most common.  For details on specific styles, visit FLOR.com and click on the "Specifications" tab for materials and recycled content information. 


In the catalogue I saw that there is a photo of a woman and kid cleaning a tile in the sink....Is that possible?
Yes.  Most dirt and spills can be easily cleaned by rinsing in the sink with mild detergent and warm water.  Visit this page for helpful videos, one of which is how to clean/replace/refresh your FLOR design http://www.flor.com/flor-videos 

***One thing that aggravates me is that it may seem that I'm asking obvious questions that I could look up online, but I don't because who knows what is right online.  And by asking this questions I hope to spark the person I'm interviewing into adding additional information.  I just feel like since I'm a student they don't care, and at times it makes me feel like they think I'm incompetent.  I just want a spark a conversation, but I feel they are too busy and rush me off.

Bamboo Hardwoods

800-607-2414

10/7/11

Called and asked who I should talk to, and the man, Chris, told me to ask him the questions.  I felt he had no clue how to answer my questions.  I asked "Where you do get the bamboo?" and he replied, "from China."  Then I asked "Why don't you all grow it in the US?"  His response was well you should look it up online.  After that he told me to just go to the website. I felt like I was just thrown aside and he didn't have the time for me to brother him with questions.

I am getting very frustrated with having to deal with certain companies.  The positive experiences are running out.

Interview

Forbo
Betty, Technical Department
570-459-0771
10/6/11 @ 4:12 PM


*Reordered samples because never received them last month

With this phone call I got kicked around from department to department.  Went from Operator to Receptionist to Samples to finally Technical.

Do you make the tiles?  If not, where?

No, the tiles are made over seas in Europe, then shipped over to us.  Our main Forbo headquarters is in Europe.

What are the tiles made of?  Are they sustainable?

They are made from linoleum, which is made of natural materials.  This makes them sustainable.

Naturally floating floor means what?

Floating floor means that there is no glue used.  The flooring is placed over the previous flooring.  For the materials that require glue installation contains no VOCs.

Naturally bacteriostatic means?

Bacteriostatic means that the tiles materials are self sanitizing.  This means that they don't mold.

How do you clean them?

We recommend that customers use neutral pH cleaners, so they don't harm the tiles.

What is the expected life of the tiles?

The span depends on where the tiles are installed and how much traffic the area gets.  Usually it ranges between 20 to 30 years.

Are the tiles easily replaceable?

Yes, the tiles are easy to take out.

Can the tiles be recycled?

The factory that manufactures the tiles recycle tiles.  Here in North America we are trying to set up a recycling center for the tiles.  I have no details on this though.

Terra Green Ceramics

Teresa Smith, Office Manager

765-935-4760

10/6/11 @ 4:05 PM

How are the tiles made?

The ceramic tiles are manufactured here at our facilities.  We are located in Richmond, IN, and we operate from there.  The tiles are 55% recycled materials in the body.

Where is the recycled glass from that is used to create the tiles?

The glass is within the body of every tile.

What is the cost of the tiles?

The cost depends on the size and color of the tiles.  They can range from $2 - $13 a tile.

How long do they last?

Well I'm unsure, but here in the office we have had the same tiles since 1989.

Is there a sealant used on the tiles?

There is no sealant required, but the consumers are able to choose their own.

Are the tiles glued down?

We don't install, but the typical process is mortar.

Have ever thought of a program to recycle tiles?

We actually use the scraps in our parking lot, all over the Richmond area, and in the landscape.

Flor

* I am emailing my questions to Heather Arnett who will pass them around to the people that can answer them