As parents, the natural inclination to go green and natural is the path for many. Although, I became interested in sustainable issues before I had my first child; it certainly motivated me more to do all that I can to leave a better planet to the future generations. Another reason for going natural was the concern of toxicity of products that could be more harmful than good for the children’s growing bodies. Columbia Forest Products’ PureBond hardwood plywood gets a nod from the Green Parent List, a network of scientists and engineers who as parents have the same concerns that we all have as the care takers of the little ones.Â
According to the Green Parent List, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) remains the main culprit for childhood asthma. “We are very excited to identify manufacturers like Columbia Forest Products. Their PureBond Hardwood Plywood is made with no added formaldehyde which means families can reduce their VOC exposure in the home,” says Patricia Calder, president of Green Parents’ List. The PureBond Hardwood Plywood comes from sustainably harvested forest with soy based adhesives to add to their environmental friendliness. Upon further research, the consumers can be specifiy Columbia Forest to use FSC certified materials meaning FSC is not the default method of harvesting wood.
 The PureBond Plywood has versatility in its use including home furniture, wood cabinets to making children’s toys. As the first building product to receive the Green Parents’ List Healthy Home check mark, the PureBond Plywood has zero VOC, especially no formaldehyde, a well known respiratory and skin irritant, especially to children. In order to meet the Green Parents’ List requirement, a product must pass the VOC restriction set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and surface coatings must meet applicable lead (Pb) restrictions. The product must also meet additionally meet a third party validation.  “Because of the work of people like those at the Green Parents’ List, kids and families will be better informed of the healthier, safer and smarter choices available to them, across a wide range of products,” says Todd Vogelsinger, Columbia’s director of marketing.
The PureBond Plywood has a wide availability as Home Depot is one of the stockist for the zero VOC home building material. Additional 825 cabinet shops and furniture manufacturer have partnered with Columbia Forest to bring this non-toxic building material to all Eco-conscious and health-conscious parents and builders. The best part is that PureBond is competitively priced with traditional plywood making it an affordable option for families.  Kudos to Columbia Forest for inventing such a wonderfully safe product for families and Green Parent’s List to acknowledge such accomplishment. I believe making a greener planet starts at the home and with products like these; it certainly becomes an easier choice for all.
