You remember the three little pigs. One built his house of straw, one of sticks, and one of bricks. While brick house stood strong, in the modern world where sustainability matters, bricks do not rank high in the list of green building materials. Sticks, (we’ll assume wood-frame construction), is the accepted norm in contemporary home building. Piggy #2 would be doing well as a developer, but unless his lumber is FSC certified, it is contributing to the depletion of natural forests. It appears that Piggy #1, who built his house of straw, may have been onto something and will be feeling environmentally conscious thanks to Wheat Board.

Wheat Board. Designed by Environ Biocomposites Manufacturing.

With the continuing regulation of the lumber and building industries there is a growing need for durable, affordable, environmentally friendly alternatives to architectural wood products. “Our unique manufacturing process does not destroy trees; it utilizes recycled materials and abundant renewable agricultural resources.” (Environ Biocomposites) Wheat board is manufactured from an abundant supply of a rapidly renewable agricultural fiber byproduct. Through the growth period of wheat used, a large amount of carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere. The end result after harvesting, manufacturing and transportation of the product results in a total impact value that is negative. No off-gassing solvents, such as urea formaldehyde, are added during the manufacturing process, thus the material emits no VOCs into your home or the atmosphere (it can also win you 4 possible LEED categories).

Wheat board is a versatile product that could be used as a substitute for particle board, or as an interesting finish material. It has a golden glow that reminds me of Midwestern prairies, and is a refreshing alternative to bamboo, which has become the go-to material in sustainable wood finishes.