Facilitators-Handbook-For-Permaculture

Workshop Module 3: Houses, Water, and Waste Management 91

B. List of unsustainable building materials

Step 1

With the entire group, conduct a brainstorm to create a list of the least environmentally

friendly (unsustainable) building materials that are currently being used in local construction

(table 1). Write the participant’s answers on a large piece of paper or on the white/black

board so that everyone can see and comment.

Step 2

Once the list of the least environmentally friendly (sustainable) building materials is done,

ask the participants to split up into smaller work groups (see appendix for ideas about

using a creative group techniques) and work out (a) where the materials come from, and

(b) how they feel those materials may be used (table 2).

The answers listed below are supplied for the facilitator only for prompting

ideas and discussions if the participants need help.

Unsustainable

material

Where it

comes from

What is it

made from

Various ways

it is used

Could it be a

health hazard

How

long it

lasts

Asbestos

sheeting/

roofing

Manufactured

Asbestos

was once

considered

a “miracle

mineral”. Made

from krisotil

minerals

Roof, wall,

floor, stove

Yes, example:

Mesothelioma, lung

cancer, possibly

other cancers,

Asbestosis, pleural

injuries

10-40

years

Chipboard

Manufactured

from recycled

materials

Wood particle

or flakes, resin

and wax

Furniture

Yes. Flush eyes

with water for at

least 15 minutes if

dust gets into eyes

5-10

years,

less if

wet

Triplex Manufactured Wood Buildings, furniture

Yes. Dust from

triplex can damage

lungs

10-20

years,

less if

wet

Cement brick Manufactured Cement, sand, and stone

Walls, septic

tanks,

containers

Yes. By skin

contact, eye

contact, or

inhalation

10-40

years

Rainforest

woods Forest Trees

Buildings,

decoration,

furniture,

handicraft,

10-40

years

Untreated

woven bamboo Local area Bamboo

Handcraft,

buildings, roof,

walls

Yes. Dust from

deteriorating

bamboo can

damage lungs

1-5

years

Table 1. Table 2.