Why Series - Soybeans? foam insulation + paint + foam (furniture and carpets)by Amanda Robinson

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Why Series - Soybeans?
foam insulation + paint + foam (furniture and carpets)
by Amanda Robinson // Owner, MavoPavo.com

sponsored by

mavopavo.com

The air quality in your home is often worse than outside as allergens, toxins
from cleaning supplies, molds and outdoor pollutants become trapped inside.
However, you can avoid many toxins inside your home by choosing "green" or
chemical free products or products that do not have VOCs (volatile organic
compounds) or use petroleum in production. VOCs have been known to cause
health problems ranging from nausea to skin destruction, fluid in the lungs,
wheezing and some types of cancer.

Renewable and non-toxic Soybean oil can be used to replace petroleum oil
based products in everything from "soy carpet backing, sofa cushions, and
insulation to lubricants, paints, stains, and soy-based adhesives" while using
use 61% less non-renewable energy. In addition, using alternatives like
soybeans will greatly reduce our dependence on crude oil, support More
than 600,000 local farmers and create a healthier living environment for
ourselves. So don't be put off if you notice some of the soybean products
may have slightly a higher price tag than traditional petroleum based
products. Remember, the positive long term effects on your health and the
environment are worth every penny.

Foam Insulation

When building or remodeling a house there are many ways to make your
home energy efficient like replacing lightbulbs, reducing your water usage,
installing energy efficient appliances and collecting water run-off to name
a few. The most daunting, but important, task of all is the blanket of the home,
the insulation. "Heating and cooling account for more than 50 to 70% of the
energy used in the average American home." Inadequate insulation can be
a huge cause of energy waste and can drain your pocketbook, especially
in height of summer and winter. Creating proper ventilation increases the air
quality inside your home by reducing molds, pollen and allergens. This is
especially important for humid climates where high concentrations of moist
air seep into the insulation and contribute to the growth of mold and mildew.

Located in Fayetville, Arkansas, BioBased Insulation® produces a natural and
renewable soybean insulation which is an extremely healthier alternative to
petroleum-based polyurethane spray foam insulation. Their product, BioBased
501w®, is a soy-based Spray foam which is water blown into the walls and the
inside roof of the attic your home. BioBased 501w®, "contains no CFC, HCFC's
or
formaldehyde" and can easily be used on new and existing homes. The foam
should be installed by a professional as some structural modificatins may be
needed during installation. After installation you will also experience reduced
outside and room-to-room noise pollution and you cuts of up to 50% in energy
cost. BioBased products can also be used to achieve LEED credits, so consult
with your LEED Accredited Professional to determine specifics of this process.

Paint

Soy paints are non toxic and do not contain hazardous ingredients such as
propylene glycol or formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and is virtually
odorless. DuraSoy One, from Ecoprocote, can be applied to almost any
surface, dries fast, non-flammable and is not considered a food source for
mold and mildew in moisture prone areas. DuraSoy One's can also be used
outdoors and can resist high rainfalls, snow and other extreme climates.
Homeowners can also achieve LEED credits by using soy paint indoors and
outdoors. Ask your local paint retailer for other soy paints, but make sure
they have no VOCs. Some paints are created with a combination of soy
oil and petroleum oils.

Glues, stains and wood particulate used to create furniture, especially baby
furniture, can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like formaldehyde.
For our "safety" and cleanliness fabrics and mattresses are also made to be
stain resistant, inflammable and in some cases, wrinkle free by using
chemicals to achieve the above requests. Most foam products are also
derived from petroleum-based products, thus proving even more our
dependence on oil.

BiOH polyols are a soy-based ingredient which are use to create a renewable,
non-toxic "flexible foam" used in foam based items like mattresses, upholstered
furniture, carpet backing, and automotive seats. We sleep 7-9 hours a day so
reducing the amount of toxins were we sleep is essential to our health. So when
installing carpet or buying a new mattress look for foam created using BiOH
polyols. Enjoy!

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Learn more about the process or find a dealer in your area from BioBased
Insulation® or Google "Soy Foam Insulation" in you area. Ecoprocate DuraSoy
Onetm soy based paint. Find a BiOH retailer or vist the Experience BiOH site.

WHY SERIES?
by
Amanda Robinson
mavopavo.com