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Question 9
When it comes to green buildings which is better: using recycled material or natural materials?
Steve Jones: Currently green builders are interested in building whole buildings that can be later recycled. Tastes and technologies change, so the thinking is buildings should perhaps be more flexible and easier to deconstruct and reuse the materials. 50% by volume of landfill currently is building waste and rubble so it's an area where lots of progress could be made.
As for natural materials, the key issue is how far are you going to transport them? Rammed earth walls, straw bale houses etc. are really good technologies and very eco-friendly if the materials are local.
Always look for wood products with an FSC or similar label. Supporting sustainable forestry and more tree planting is vital.
Question 10
What does the number in the recycle symbol on many products actually mean?
Steve Jones: It refers to the type of plastic it is made out of, so they can be easily separated for recycling. Sort the Polyethylene from the Polypropylene - they all have different properties which are corrupted if they are mixed together.
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