For the past few weeks, I’ve been behind the scenes working away at getting ‘The Barn’ House Plans ready (they’re now available to purchase!), and part of the process was putting together a list of the materials I used when we built our house - plus some alternative options.
Going through my bank of healthy materials reminded me of how many healthy and eco-friendly options that are out there now compared to just a few years ago. And there’s one particular product label that I love that makes finding healthier materials so much easier.
It’s the Red List Free Label. Below is a video on how to use the Declare website that allows you to find Red List Free materials.
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Video: How to Navigate Material Search Websites
This video walks you through how to use the Declare Label website, Healthy Materials Lab, and Home Free (which is now called Informed). These are three of the best online resources for finding healthy building and finish products.
What is The Red List?
The Red List is a list that the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) has put together of the worst-in-class toxic chemicals known to harm human health and the environment.
The Red List identifies substances commonly used in building materials, like formaldehyde, PVC, phthalates, halogenated flame retardants, and PFAS, that should be avoided in sustainable and healthy buildings.
When a product is labeled Red List Free, it means it is verified to contain none of the Red List chemicals, supporting a healthier home and safer planet.
This is an amazing resource that helps homeowners, designers, and builders quickly identify healthier, safer building products. It’s part of a broader transparency initiative by the ILFI called the Declare label—a product disclosure label that lists ingredients, highlights whether a product contains any Red List chemicals, and makes it easier to choose materials that support human and environmental health.