Re: [GBlist] PVC-free building products

["Mike Rogers" <rogers.mike@verizon.net>]

A few quick thoughts:

Alternative to Romex:  metal conduit, and pull the wires through.  (much
easier to rewire down the road as well--)
Alternative to PVC pipe:  that depends on what you're using the pipe for.
alternatives include cast iron (for drains), copper (for supply), ABS
plastic.
Alternatives to other building products:  siding (wood, t111, fibercement,
aluminum--I've heard you can still get it, stucco)

Keep in mind that the reason PVC materials are used in construction are
because the materials are cheap, and the installation, easy.  Any
alternative material I can think of will be more expensive (in terms of the
check you write, not the cost to the environment), either the material
itself, the labor to install, and in most cases, both.


From: <Robseelig@aol.com>
> I am in the process of renovating my home and I would like to use no PVC
materials, that means no PVC pipe, no PVC - romax etc.  Does anyone know of
materials which meet code which are alternatives to PVC?
>
> alternative to RomaX?????
> alternative to PVC pipe?????
> alterative to other building products which typically have PVC????
>
> Also, I justed watched an excellent documentary movie which will be airing
on HBO in about 8 to 12 months on the life cycle hazards of PVC, specifcally
vinyl siding.  Does anyone know of an affordable alternative to use instead
of vinyl siding for homes.  Again, I emphasize affordable.  keep your eyes
and ears open the movie is called blue vinyl.
>
> Does anyone know of any homes or buildings which have been build without
the use of PVC?
>
> Thank you much for your help,
>
> Robert Seelig
> Greenchange
> 3018 College Avenue
> Berkeley, CA 94705



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