Rise | We've Done the Research
A review of the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart, despite mantras like "reduce, reuse, recycle," we have been stuck on a one-way cradle-to-grave manufacturing model since the Industrial Revolution. This outdated model implies that a product has one useful life—or even several if reused or recycled—but no ultimate endpoint besides waste or pollution.
What Are Some Cradle to Cradle Certified Products?
You can find a wide variety of Cradle to Cradle certified™ products online in the product registry. These products are organized in categories ranging from 'Auto and Tires' to 'Baby,' 'Building Materials, 'Fashion and Textiles' and Health and Beauty.'
Cradle To Cradle Certified Paint
But what about a product like paint? Old paint can be troublesome as it usually needs to be disposed of at a hazardous material drop-off site. Then that waste has to be dealt with over many years. One certified paint brand on the certified list is called Graphenstone. It is an indoor and outdoor paint and filler which uses graphene. Graphene has been extolled as an "ultra-strong, ultra-thin supermaterial which could yield a technological revolution." Applications include paint, condoms, electronics, and bulletproof armor.
These are just a very few examples of hundreds of innovative and highly environmentally sustainable products described, rated, and linked on the Cradle-to-Cradle Certified™ products inventory.
How Can A Product Become Cradle-to-Cradle Certified™?
There are several steps to achieve Cradle to Cradle Certification™, fully specified here. The certification process includes deciding if your product is appropriate for certification. For example, does it comply with the Banned Chemicals List? Then, you'll select one of several companies to assess your product. Finally, you'll work with this assessor to compile and evaluate your data and documentation. Other requirements for certification include evidence of continuous improvement and a site visit of production facilities.
What Does Cradle to Cradle Certification Mean For Homeowners and Designers?
It's mostly good news: it is a growing trend that product manufacturers are thinking about their product's entire life cycles. Many have take-back programs to reuse and recycle obsolete or unwanted products back into their manufacturing process. One great example is Interface's Carpet Tile. While only some of their products have received certification (their Conscient Carpet Tiles, for example), if any carpet tiles need replacement, you can ask for a postage-paid envelope and send them back to the company—instead of to a landfill—where they will use it.
More and more businesses are taking this cradle to cradle approach. So, be sure to check the product registry when specifying products for your house—you might be surprised at the cool options you'll find!
Donna Pols Trump
Donna Pols Trump’s work has been published in literary magazines and online. She has received several Pushcart Prize nominations. Donna’s education includes degrees in Biology and Physical Therapy and a host of writing classes taken and taught at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. Her short story “Portage” was selected by judge Anne Tyler for first prize in a 2018 contest sponsored by december magazine.
