Reflection

In this weeks blogs I learned a lot about how companies are dealing with substances found in the AAFA, GOTS, and LEED guidebooks. In the US it is illegal to use theses substances but overseas it is not. Unfortunately almost every product we use is made in foreign countries where these substances are not banned. They are still making their way into this country and into our homes.

The most important thing I noticed this week came from Cally Hendricks blog. She talked about how Teknion gives discounts to anyone who uses their products and stride to have their building LEED certified. I think that we can use this as an example for other industries. For example, maybe clothing suppliers can have their own standards and they wont sell items that have substances that are on the banned lists. This might lower their profits but it could also put pressure on designers to use legal substances.

I will apply this idea of only using products that exclude banned substances into my designs. For example, when I look for textiles I will make sure that if I am not using 100% cotton, then whatever hybrid it will be, will not have used any of the banned substances in its production.

I would like to know if there are any other companies that give discounts to clients who chose to use sustainable products. I think it is a great idea and that more companies should do it.