By Kathy Gottberg (1/29/10)

 

            The Coachella Valley Branch of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) held their second membership meeting in January at the Desert Willows Resort in Palm Desert.  IN spite of the inclement weather, a group of over 40 people gathered to meet, talk about sustainable building and development, and learn more about coming events.  On top of that, the featured speakers were there to "talk plywood."

            Another issue discussed in relation to wood and wood products used in the building process is the heavy use of formaldehyde, particularly in pressed wood products using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins.  UFs are particularly prevalent in products like particleboard (used in flooring, shelving, cabinetry and furniture), hardwood plywood paneling and fiberboard (drawer fronts, cabinets and furniture tops).    The off gassing of formaldehyde in these products is not only toxic and unhealthy, it can continue for up to 40 years following use!  True environmentally friendly products are referenced as NAUF (no Added Urea Formaldehyde) or NUF to show that the type of resin used as a bonding agent has low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).  The term volatile means that the compounds vaporize, this is, become a gas, at normal room temperatures.  In order to obtain LEED points in building and more importantly to provide healthy indoor air quality, using products labeled NAUF if critical.

            The presentation concluded by a show and tell that allowed attendees to touch and feel a variety of the products offered by Royal Plywood.  Some of the more interesting samples were made of bamboo, coconuts and sorghum.  The beauty and variety of the wood samples made it clear that going green can be beautiful, as well as healthy.