Vermont Natural Coatings' (Hardwick, Vt.) naturally derived wood finish was named a Top Green Finish For Hardwood Floors by a sustainable forestry and consumer advocacy group in Virginia and Ohio, according to the company.
The nominating group, WoodRight Forest Products, chose Vermont's PolyWhey wood finish, as well as five other companies' finish products, because it specifically uses recycled whey protein from the cheese industry instead of petroleum-based ingredients.
"Our own Vermont Department of Health has articulated, clearly, the potential health hazards associated with the application and off gassing associated with traditional solvent-based floor finishes that contain toxins like benzene and formaldehyde," said Vermont Natural Coatings Founder and President Andrew B. Meyer. "As a parent of two young children, I know the importance of improving air quality in public places, particularly in schools. It is imperative that we address the dangers of toxic fumes from chemical cleaners and newly finished floors."
