Boulder, Colorado-based Parasoleil makes these panels from a variety of so called green materials, such as FSC-certified wood, aluminum, and steel. The copper panels, in particular, are interesting. Using 90-95% recycled content copper, these panels are made in a zero waste process that uses efficient waterjet manufacturing. And they're 100% recyclable, too. I've shown a variety of panels in this article, as well as a playful powder-coated application (above) and steel and copper patinas images (below).

Loll Designs makes contemporary, durable outdoor furniture from recycled materials. You've probably seen their 4-slat Adirondack chair, but the company has a number of other pieces, as well as some new ones, too. They're made from 100% recycled post-consumer HDPE, and 90% of the manufacturing waste is sent to a recycling plant (or remember when the guys from Hive Modular recycled Loll pallets to create a barn?). Loll uses recycled packaging and does a number of other things to reduce the environmental impact associated with business. Here's a preview of some of the new work:

EcoRock by Serious Materials continues to make headlines. If you haven't heard of it, you will once the product starts to sell. EcoRock is billed as a green replacement for gypsum drywall, and it's already received a number of awards and certifications: Cradle to Cradle Gold Certification, GREENGUARD Certification, and ASTM D3273 for resistance to mold, etc. In addition, Serious Materials just announced that EcoRock received the world's first validation of claims by UL Environment.

There’s a paver out there, the Vast Paver, that’s been showing up on HGTV, the Today Show, and Renovation Nation. It’s probably because the composite paver is made from roughly 90-95% recycled scrap tire rubber and plastics — every 1,000 square-feet of pavers saves 500 tires and 15,000 plastic containers from landfills! These durable pavers work in a number of situations, including for low-volume traffic, driveways, walkways, rooftops, decks, and patios. Colors include redwood, boardwalk, village, waterwheel, polo, and olive (below).

If you're searching for something new — maybe as a back splash, wall accent, or decorative element — give Slate-ish a look. Slate-ish tiles come in seven colors and are made from reclaimed scrap from the fabrication of Richlite and PaperStone countertops. This is 100% post-industrial waste paper laminate cut into strips, squares, bars, and cubes. Slate-ish tiles are light, non-porous, and provide an interesting alternative to stone applications.

5-6-09 Update: Slate-ish tells us most tiles are under $20 psf loose, with a range of $15-40 psf. Backed tiles on pre-mounted panels run about $20 psf extra. Read more about Slate-ish …

Cosentino, the world’s largest maker of quartz, has just launched an eco-friendly countertop called ECO by Cosentino. The new countertop is the embodiment of six million dollars of research over a three year period. It’s available nationally through Lowe’s at a price of $68-$118, depending on thickness and color. ECO contains 75% post-consumer and post-industrial recycled raw materials and 25% natural elements.