mindful MATERIALS: Ecosystem Health

mindful MATERIALS, Inc.

Water, soil, air, biodiversity: all are essential to human well-being. And all are threatened by land-use decisions as well as the building materials used to expand and enhance human developments. Our resources look at forestry practices, environmental pollution, and other topics relevant to environmental performance. Restoring ecosystem health requires the use of products that renew air, water, and the biological cycles of life, encouraging more thoughtful supply-chain management and restorative company practices.

mindful MATERIALS: Ecosystem Health

Deep Dives

Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.

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  • Keeping PFAS Forever Chemicals out of Building Products

    Feature Article

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to negative health and environmental impacts. Getting them out of our building products is going to require work.

  • Resilient, Sustainable Water Management: A Holistic Approach

    Feature Article

    Water is our planet’s lifeblood. But climate change has redefined how we view water, with drought amplifying water scarcity and changing our relationship with the landscape and the built environment. 

  • Native Landscaping for Biodiversity

    Feature Article

     Removal of invasive plants and support of native plantings are critically important for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

  • Wood: What’s Good?

    Feature Article

    Mass timber seems alluring because of its low carbon footprint, but not all wood is equally sustainable. We dig deep into the controversy over which types of timber are “climate smart.

Quick Takes

Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.

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  • What Does It Mean to “Use Water”?

    Primer

    The difference between consumptive and non-consumptive water use is like night and day in the world of policy and regulation.

  • Hemp: A Durable, Low-Carbon Building Material

    Primer

    This rapidly renewable material is excellent for textiles and non-structural concrete. (And no, it will not get you high.)

  • The 12 Product Rules

    Infographic

    These 12 product rules provide a simple approach to selecting better, healthier, and more environmentally responsible building products and materials.

  • Sand, a Surprisingly Limited Resource

    Primer

    Demand for the basic raw material for glass and concrete is prompting illegal mining that’s leaving beaches and riverbeds bare. 

Product Guidance

Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.

In The News

We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.

Perspective

Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.

Learning Resources

Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.

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