Introduction To Materials And Finishes

"As a rule, materials from renewable sources should be specified. For example, timber displaying the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark is from a managed forest which does not deplete the resource. Minimum processing is involved in its extraction and manufacture, consequently it also has the advantage of low embodied energy.

"Materials that are easily biodegradable should be specified over those that take many years to break down. Materials should also be chosen that do not release toxins into the environment as they decompose.

"To reduce pollution, the toxicity of materials over their full life-span should be considered. Designers may have difficulty finding information about the toxicity of specific manufacturing processes and disposal techniques. However, general information on the physical and chemical properties of materials is available from organisations such as the Environment Agency (UK); for example, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (USA) provides toxicological profiles for over 250 priority substances."

From Sustainable Exhibit Design: Guidelines for designers for small scale interactive and traveling exhibits