[Greenbuilding] How Can the Average Consumer best Educate themselves on Wood vs MDF?

[Allison Friedman]

My Mother-In-Law finally asked me for help on a green building related question.  (Maybe they are going to go green now!  Well, at least we can talk some IAQ as a start).  And I would love to get her some answers and to show her what the green building community can do in terms of sharing advice and experience.    

I posted an entry on Rate It Green today, right after she emailed me:  http://www.rateitgreen.com/green-building-community/discussions/products/please-help-my-lother-in-law-with-a-simple-intro-to-mdf-products/690

If you can post there and help, that would be terrific.  And if not, I can forward her any responses here.  I of course would really like to experiment with what the site can do - One really nice local lumber company offered to talk to her, which is great and really appreciated since she’s not near here.  They were just being nice.  But wouldn’t it also be great if people can read this information whenever convenient for them (like I could read in the middle of the night, when he might not like to get on the phone!) and it can benefit more people since it will be in print…?  

I admit that my first instinct was to say go with solid wood, sustainably harvested...  But of course I know there is more to the question, and a lot more to think about.  She might feel great about buying wood, and then put some toxic coating on it, if she isn’t asking good questions and making her concerns and preferences clear.  

I appreciate any thoughts. I have some ideas and know enough to be dangerous on a few topics, but I’d rather get her some expert advice.  I am a connector and not a scientist.  I gave a basic description of what VOCs are and why she should care - but I’d rather get real help from a knowledgeable expert.  Also, I was confused as it seems there’s now some certified MDF - so this isn’t as simple as I thought at first? 


Thanks,
Allison






Allison Friedman
Rate It Green
www.rateitgreen.com
@rateitgreen
@MAGreenbuilding
@NYGreenbuilding




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