# What Manufacturing Products Are Greener Than Others?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/what-manufacturing-products-are-greener-than-others/
- Published: 2020-05-05T00:40:01-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Today, more manufacturers are considering environmental impact when choosing materials,
as consumers increasingly demand greener, more [sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/7-tips-for-making-your-home-sustainable/)
products. But what exactly makes a product green? Those that have the following 
attributes may be more environmentally friendly.

#### **Sustainably Sourced Products**

Some materials certified as sustainably sourced, meaning they get produced or gathered
in a way that takes into account environmental and other impacts. [The Forest Stewardship Council](https://us.fsc.org/en-us)
certifies manufactured wood products. If a wood product has FSC certification, you
can be confident it came from a well-managed forest.

![LEED, The Morton Arboretum Visitor Center features natural materials, including
woods represented in the Arboretum’s collections, gently weathering lead-coated 
copper, and local fieldstone salvaged from a predecessor building.](https://i0.wp.
com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/mvc_09.jpg?resize=270%2C148&quality
=52&ssl=1)

In addition, other organizations review and certify other products. Some products,
including bamboo, cork, rubber and cotton, are rapidly renewable because of how 
quickly they regenerate.

#### **Locally Sourced Products**

When materials sourced locally, they have reduced environmental impact from transport.
Shipping products has substantial ecological effects due to emissions associated
with transportation.

Under criteria for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green
building rating system, [products from within 500 miles](https://www.usgbc.org/credits/reqmr1r3)
considered regionally sourced.

#### **Reduced Material Use**

Some materials that aren’t especially green on their own may be considered as such.
For example, if they cut the amount of materials needed for a project.  This action
thereby conserving resources. For example, using drywall clips means you don’t need
corner studs. Using concrete pigments to make regular concrete into attractive flooring
means you don’t have to use more resources to cover the concrete with other kinds
of flooring.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/image3.jpg?resize
=220%2C204&quality=52&ssl=1)

#### **Recycled Content**

Using recycled materials greatly reduces environmental impact, because it reduces
the need to manufacture, [mine](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/07/ev-charger-a-guide-to-charging-your-electric-vehicle-im/)
or otherwise acquire new materials. Materials may include

 1. Pre-consumer recycled content: recycled materials that have not yet reached the
    consumer, namely industrial byproducts
 2. Post-consumer recycled content: materials recycled after use by consumers
 3. Products made from agricultural waste: items made from agricultural byproducts 
    such as straw and citrus oil
 4. Salvaged products: old products that are reused as a new product or part of a new
    product

It’s also important that manufacturers use materials that can readily be recycled
after the product has reached the end of its useful life.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/homeforfoam_guestpostimage_importanceoffoamrecycling.
jpg?resize=135%2C202&quality=52&ssl=1)

**Long-Lasting Products**

Most noteworthy, using materials and manufacturing products that will last a long
time is another way.  A way to increase the environmental friendliness of your operations.
Using durable materials means that the product can go longer without replacement.
That means less resource use overall. As well, products that have minimal maintenance
requirements also have smaller environmental impacts.

#### **Reduced Emissions**

Therefore, there are many ways to reduce the emissions produced by manufacturing
a product. Using renewable energy to power your operations can reduce or even eliminate
its greenhouse gas emissions. You can also use materials that have fewer emissions
of volatile organic compounds and other compounds during manufacturing or over the
products lifetime. Items that require less processing typically require less energy
use and have fewer associated emissions.

#### **Energy-Efficient**

Another way to reduce emissions and environmental impact is to use energy-efficient
technologies. Using energy-efficient manufacturing equipment will reduce the ecological
footprint of [production while making products and buildings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/dow-building-insulation-products-achieve-recertificatio/)
that are energy-efficient reduces energy use over the product’s lifetime.

![Water Efficiency](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/
06/watersense.jpg?resize=255%2C552&quality=52&ssl=1)

#### **Water-Efficient**

Water efficiency is another concern related to manufacturing, as water is a critical
natural resource. Some manufacturing processes are more water-intensive than others.
For products that use water, making them more water-efficient can substantially 
reduce their environmental impacts over their lifetimes.

Environmental impact is becoming more of a focus in the manufacturing space. Manufacturers
can make significant improvements in sustainability by making [informed changes to the materials and products](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/2012-toyota-rav4-ev-product-information/)
they use and produce.

**_Bio:_**

Emily Folk is a freelance writer and blogger from Lancaster, PA. She covers topics
in [conservation sustainability and renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/cenergistic-a-new-era-in-energy-conservation/).
See her latest posts by checking out her blog Conservation Folks or follow her on
Twitter.