The Refinishing Touch Blog

While reading the July/August Issue of Defense Communities Magazine, the Green Team from The Refinishing Touch, noted some rather important information about "Buying Green". According to Executive Orders, EPA policies, and Federal Acquisition Regulations, buying green is not only smart, but it is the law.

Formaldehyde, such a pretty name:
As noted by Eugene Lisa in "Smart Tips for Buying Green", formaldehyde is a carcinogen. Like tar, nicotine, and asbestos, formaldehyde is not good for your body and can cause cancer. Most all furniture products made with particleboard, which binds them together, contain formaldehyde. When you purchase furniture, make sure to avoid formaldehyde - and better yet, just recycle furniture so that you are not funding the creation of more products containing formaldehyde.

Let's talk trash
There are two types of waste: pre-consumer (i.e. factory waste) and post-consumer (i.e. population waste). Pre-consumer waste generally gets recycled through factories, creating revenue for the manufacturer. Post-consumer waste normally ends up in a landfill, creating greenhouse gases and dirty air. Instead of purchasing new furniture and throwing out old, you can reduce pre-consumer and post-consumer waste by simply, reusing furniture.

Breathe in, Breathe Out
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a common concern when you go outside and the thermometer on your car reads 109 degrees. VOCs are naturally occurring gasses and they are more harmful indoors than outdoors. With environmentally friendly chemistry, TRT can help you avoid these harmful VOCs by using safe materials and will help you breathe much easier.


It's great to see government agencies lead the way in the green movement as it is up to them to set an example for most business owners. By using these "buying green" tactics you can help save money and the environment.

Labels: government, Green