RE: [greenyes] PVC

["Maine, Bruce" <Bruce.Maine@no.address>]

Good morning.
In response to Peter's note I'd like to offer the following.
While I am in adamant opposition to the use of virgin PVC and one with a
long history of sparring with the Vinyl Institute, I think (especially
from a listserv that advocates Zero Waste"), it is important to
recognize that if you don't recycle it it's either going to end up in
the landfill or in an incinerator.  Anyone want to volunteer their
backyard?
For all our advocacy PVC production continues to climb and I believe it
important to be able to recycle what can be recycled.  Even though C&A
is marketing a new carpet backing (Ethos), they have taken the position
that recycled-content PVC backed carpet will be their standard for years
to come.  Additionally, C&A will "take back" any PVC backed carpet to
use in new products.   Product Stewardship isn't just for the clean
products.
Likewise, InPro Corporation has instituted a take back and
re-manufacturing program for some of their PVC extrusions (handrails,
guardrails, corner guards etc.).
While we try an minimize the use of virgin PVC products in our
architectural practice I am always open to considering the
"recycled-content" products.  If we don't, we're part of the problem and
not part of the solution.
Regards,
Bruce Maine
Sustainable Specifications & Materials Manager
LEED Accredited Professional
HDR Architecture
402.399.1198
bmaine@no.address
http://www.hdrgreen.com
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Anderson [mailto:anderson@no.address] 
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2004 9:22 AM
To: GreenYes
Subject: [greenyes] PVC

    With all the concerns raised about PVC and the companies that
continue using vinyl, I thought something else needed to be said.

    I do want to put on the table that a very substantial number of
large firms have taken concerted action to eliminate PVC in their
products.  Among those that I have worked closely with -- and this is
NOT a complete list -- have been SC Johnson, Procter and Gamble and
Collins  & Aikman.  I'd urge others who have had similiar rewarding
experiences with other companies to list them as well.

    Obviously, their gracious actions might not have happened were it
not for vigorous and constructive citizen actions to bring the recycling
and health problems with PVC to public attention, but nonetheless, we
owe a debt of gratitude to them for responding equally constructively.

 

 Peter
_________________________
Peter Anderson, President
RECYCLEWORLDS CONSULTING
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