Oct 28 2009
Kirei Board
A renewable building material from Asia, kirei (pronounced “kee-ray”) is made from stalks of the sorghum plant, a tall cereal grass used to make molasses and animal feed. The stalks, a waste material, are woven and pressed into panels using a formaldehyde-free, low-VOC adhesive, producing a lovely bamboolike pattern resembling a cross section of plant cells. As a lightweight substitute for wood, kirei board can be made into paneling, partitions, wall coverings, furniture, tabletops, countertops, cabinet doors, and flooring. Raw kirei boards, which take a standard wood finish, start at about $8 a square foot.
*Going Green Tip: Donating oul fur type garments and coats to a wildlife rehabilitation center is the best way to give back to nature. Wildlife rehabilitators will in turn use them for nesting material fro injured and orpahned animals. Fur is one of the leading materials used in human made clothing that causes the greatest controversy, so instead of being a named participant in wearing animal fur, be a named participant in helping wildlife by visitingThe Humane Society Of the United States and find out how you can help with your old furs.
