[GBlist] FW: ADPSR List: GREENPEACE PVC-FREE DATABASE

["Maine, Bruce" <bmaine@hdrinc.com>]

With thanks to ADPSR.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   APRIL 25, 2001

UNIQUE GREENPEACE PVC-FREE DATABASE ALLOWS BUILDERS TO CHOOSE NON-TOXIC 
ALTERNATIVES

Atlanta, GA – Greenpeace today unveiled an international database at the 
opening of the Envirodesign 5 conference that offers builders a real choice 
between toxic PVC products and more environmentally friendly alternatives. 
The “PVC Alternatives Database” is a must for anyone from do-it-yourself 
enthusiasts to architects, designers and construction companies. It features

over 200 products from companies based in 17 countries. 

“There is enormous enthusiasm and interest in PVC alternatives in the 
construction industry,” said Lisa Finaldi of Greenpeace. “The PVC 
alternatives on-line database is feeding that enthusiasm with information on

more environmentally sound materials,” she added.

In the US, more than 70% of PVC that is produced is used in construction 
products such as pipes, wiring, siding, flooring and wallpaper. Although
some 
may think it’s the ideal building material, PVC has high environmental and 
human health costs about which its manufacturers fail to warn consumers.

PVC emits toxic compounds from its manufacture to its final disposal.
During 
the manufacture of PVC building blocks, dioxin (a known human carcinogen)
and 
other persistent pollutants are emitted into the air, water and land.
During 
use, PVC products can leach toxic additives, such as metals and phthalates.

When disposed of, either in a landfill or incinerated, dioxin and heavy 
metals are released.  When PVC burns in accidental fires, hydrogen chloride 
gas and dioxin are formed.

Internationally, the European Parliament has recently confirmed the dangers 
associated with PVC and called for caution over its use in buildings with 
high fire risks. At last year’s Olympics, Sydney organizers recognized the 
dangers associated with PVC and chose to use more environmentally sound 
alternatives.

"There are readily available alternatives to most, if not all, uses of PVC
in 
construction,” said Bill Richardson, National Building Manager at
Greenpeace. 
“The new Greenpeace USA headquarters in Washington, D.C. is proof you can 
build without PVC and don’t have to sacrifice quality or looks,” he added.

The new Greenpeace office at 702 H, Street NW in Washington, DC is a model
of 
green design. It was designed without PVC, recycled materials were used 
throughout construction, and the space is highly energy efficient.
Richardson 
will speak at the Envirodesign 5 conference at the Cobb Galleria about the 
new headquarters on Thursday, April 26 at 4:15 pm.

The “PVC Alternatives Database” is available on-line at: 
www.greenpeace.org.au/pvc/

Contacts:  Lisa Finaldi 919 828 5202, Bill Richardson in Atlanta 202 251
2145 
(cell)
        Gary Skulnik 202-319-2492 (Washington)

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