3Form – Ecoresin™ Composite
Architectural Panels

“Ecoresin™ are composite architectural panels made from spectar PETG co-polyester resin with 40% post-industrial recycled content, and is also a non-toxic, non-offgassing material used in architectural and designer applications. Ecoresin is used as the building block to produce our flagship Varia™ product line and results in architectural panels that have superior optical, mechanical and fire properties and that promote clean air quality.”

Varia is very versatile in its application and comes in an impressive number of patterns and textures. Everything from organic hydrangea flowers and seaweed to river rock and fossilized leaves are encapsulated in the resin and brilliantly displayed. While up till now it seems to be predominantly used in commercial application, it can be suggested that it won’t be long before more residential installments are seen. Visit www.3-form.com for more information.

EcoDomo LLC – Recycled Leather Tile

EcoDomo LLC, an importer and distributor specializing in green architectural details, offers Recycled Leather Tiles — including a new beautiful Amish hand-stitched option.

Leather tiles are a new trend in flooring in North America. The tiles are a completely “green” product as they use scraps of leather from BMW car seat manufacturers and other tanneries that would otherwise go to landfills. The leather scraps are shredded and bound together again using natural rubber and Acacia tree sap. The process is similar to the making of recycled paper.

These beautiful and warm tiles contain a minimum of 65% post-industrial leather. One very noteworthy thing about this product is how incredibly warm and attractive they are. The tiles can be used as either floor or wall finish. They are durable and hold up well to foot traffic. The tiles are installed as easily as cork and are maintained in a manner similar to a wood floor. Available in multiple colors, textures and sizes.

EcoDomo uses a “triple bottom line” approach to business. They view paying for expenses such as wind-generated electric power, carbon credits, or biodegradable plastics as essential as paying rent or employees. For more information, visit www.ecodomo.com.

IceStone® - Durable Surfaces
Made of Recycled Glass & Concrete

While recycled content countertops are not necessarily new, this incredibly durable and attractive material with Zero-VOCs is taking the conscientious green consumer to a new level. IceStone® has been certified a Cradle to Cradle™ product and, like the aforementioned company, adheres to a Triple Bottom Line approach. The Cradle to Cradle™ certification means that it is a product ecologically supported through its entire life cycle — an important consideration in the eco-countertop selection process.

“IceStone surfaces are made with 100% recycled glass in a cement matrix and reduce the amount of glass in the waste stream. IceStone surfaces can replace mined or engineered stone, rival the strength of quarried stone, and are ideal for kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom vanities and shower walls, tabletops, flooring, and outdoor pavers.”

IceStone comes in 24 standard colors, is UV resistant, when sealed properly will not stain, and is easily maintained. Visit www.icestone.biz for more information.

Melissa Fryback is the owner of Studio M, a firm that specializesin the marketing of green and sustainable construction-related trades.Melissa participates in many national and regional activities, events, andorganizations that support and promote them. She can be reached at info@yourstudiom.com.