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Home improvements made greener with soybeans

Originally published in the May 14, 2010, print edition.

By Carolyn Van Loh
The Land Correspondent

— Soy-based products can help today's homeowners improve the comfort and usability of their homes and make their improvements environmentally friendly at the same time.

"Since 1991 when the soybean checkoff took effect," said United Soybean Board director Bob Haselwood of Berryton, Kan., "researchers have been looking for ways to use soy oil as an alternative to petroleum in manufacturing." The USB estimates that from 1.15 billion to 1.35 billion pounds of soybean oil will be channeled to industrial uses in 2010.

"One thing that's going to be a big product as time goes on will be plywood," he said, explaining that soy-based adhesives don't contain formaldehyde that can cause both short-term and long-term physical ailments for individuals exposed to pressed wood products with formaldehyde.

Many consumers would be surprised if they realized how many non-food products contain soy. Twenty-six new soy-based products reached the marketplace in 2009. The USB oversees research funded by the soybean checkoff. The website www.soynewuses.com/ProductsGuide/Default.aspx lists over a dozen and a half categories of soy products, ranging from personal care to animal care to building products.

More than 30 products fall under the Building Products heading alone. Many soy building products adapt better to industrial uses, but homeowners can buy more and more of them at their local home improvement store. Farmers benefit three ways when they use soy-based materials for building.

1. They purchase products made with soybeans grown on their farms.
2. They install quality materials into their building projects.
3. They demonstrate their concern for protecting the environment.

The list below categorizes some of the soy-based products available to the consumer planning to purchase home improvements materials.

Concrete

• Cenex Biomax Concrete Form Oil: Prevents concrete from adhering to forms or casts. Used with wood, aluminum and steel forms.
• Soyseal Concrete Sealer and Waterproofer: Seals and waterproofs concrete and masonry.
• Eco Procote Architectural Soy Concrete Stain: Virtually odorless; creates beautiful natural color variations unique to each surface. Roof/exterior surfaces
• Envirogrip: Adhesive tape for flashing and repair details. Permanently bonds to all roof surfaces.
• Environmental Liquid Membrane System: One-coat application solar reflective roof coating for waterproofing. Only soy-based roof coating to earn Energy Star rating and UL Class "A" fire rating. Available in three formulas for varying roof styles.
• Soyguard Premium Water Repellent and Wood Sealer: Protects exterior wood against water, swelling, warping and weathering. Insulation
• BioBased Insulation: Spray-foam insulation. High R value; seals air perfectly.
• Soytherm 50 and Soytherm 100: Spray-foam insulation. Expands to fill all voids and cracks.

Decorating

• Dow BioBalance Polymers Carpet-Backing System: Available in all polyurethane noncushioned and cushioned backings.
• EnviroCel Home carpet backing: Uses 100 percent soy polyol. Has been used in commercial applications for several years; recently entered the market for homeowners.
• SoyGuard Premium Wood Sealer and Stain: Use for all new, old and pressure-treated exterior wood surfaces. Available in several colors.
• Eco Procote Soy Wood Stain: Preserves wood surfaces on decks, log homes, furniture and cabinetry.

Spending time doing research before selecting a specific product can make the difference between a not-so-green project and a greener home improvement project. The user-friendly USB sites enable consumers to familiarize themselves with products having roots in agriculture.