What's wrong with PolyVinylChloride?

I have been seeing a trend with the Greeneys wanting to stay away with PVC citing it's bad for the environment. Specifically vinyl siding. They also say aluminum and copper are good alternatives. I'm no expert but I know that the process of making aluminum and copper uses ridiculous amounts of power not to mention the mining of bauxite and copper. I'd love to have copper siding on my house but I'm guessing it's cost prohibitive. Also, if you want replacement windows your choices are wood or...vinyl. If you want to fix up your house, the s.o.p. on this area for the average guy is new vinyl siding and vinyl windows. For the record, this is not critisism. I really do not understand.

So why is PVC bad?

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environmental

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August 10, 2007

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Surly's blog (7 posts)

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About: I'm a midwestern contrarian trying to develop a sense of style. My wife and I...

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Surly

August 10, 2007

I looked at the PVC paper and I think I'll have nightmares now. ;)

Thanks for the info. When we get into the new house, I'll be looking for windows and I want to make educated decisions.

tmgeorgo

August 10, 2007

Replacement windows are also available in fiberglass, which are much better than vinyl and cost only slightly more. I used Pella Impervia windows on my house and am very happy with the way they look and work.

interlock

August 10, 2007

I forgot to mention that stucco and other similar siding isn't a bad alternateive either.

interlock

August 10, 2007

Thispaper sums up why PVC is so bad: http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/ThorntonPVCSummary.html