• Bamboo: a durable and renewable green building productbamboo image by fotografiche.eu from Fotolia.com
  
  According to California Recycle's website, the global construction industry consumes about 3 billion tons of raw building materials every year. The extraction of tropical hardwoods, steel, oil and minerals from the earth wreaks a terrible toll on the environment. Green building products can lessen the negative effects of construction on the environment by reusing old materials or processing managed, renewable resources.
  
  

Bamboo

• Bamboo is a fast-growing and versatile wood that can be used in flooring, decks, shelves, countertops and cabinetry. Bamboo floors are an attractive and modern alternative to traditional hardwood floors made from nonrenewable forest lumber. Available in boards or click-and-lock panels, bamboo is both durable and lightweight. Reinforced bamboo is also a good alternative to plywood for outdoor use. Stain and sand bamboo for a sleek, classic look in kitchen counters and shelving units.
  
  

Cork

• For a naturally soft but durable floor, consider cork panels. Cork is harvested about once a decade without harming the tree, making it an excellent renewable green building material. It has soundproofing qualities, and resists mold and pests. Cork is often found in bathrooms and kitchens and comes in warm colors like rich browns and reds.
  
  

Recycled Denim

• Fiberglass is the insulation material of choice in most homes. Its tiny fibers, however, are thought to be dangerous if inhaled, and rotting fiberglass in older homes can pose serious health risks. A green alternative is renewable cotton insulation, either produced from scratch or recycled from old clothing. Old denim makes a wonderfully thick insulation material; check with your local green building supplier if they offer this option, or scrounge around your local thrift store for your own recycled denim.
  
  

Recycled and Salvaged Products

• Homes and buildings are demolished every day to make way for new construction. Materials like bricks, lumber, stones and steel are often salvaged and sent to scrapyards and warehouses that specialize in "second use" building materials. Building with salvaged materials saves the environment from new mining and harvesting while recycling old products. With careful searching, it's possible to find recycled gems like intact cabinetry, old oak beams and weathered brick that can add character to new homes and businesses.
  
  

Soy

• Most people know soy as a protein-rich alternative to dairy and rich products, but the oils found in soybeans are also used in green building. Soy-based paints come in a variety of colors and finishes and are more environmentally friendly than regular paints. Soy can be processed into varnishes and stains for wood furniture and flooring. Finally, soy-based grout naturally seals against moisture, stains and mold in tiling and masonry.
  
  

Wool

• For a green product for your carpet, look no further than pure, natural wool. Wool can be safely harvested over the lifetime of a sheep; renewable material advocates especially prize New Zealand wool for its softness and purity. Wool can be spun into warm carpets and rugs in a variety of looks and patterns, from traditional thick-piled rugs to modern carpet panels used in high-traffic areas.