A group of plaintiffs seeking class action status have filed a lawsuit against decking manufacturer Fiberon over its Portico wood composite line. The lawsuit, filed March 14 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by Hagens Berman, a Seattle-based firm, claims that the decking has a defect that results in the growth of mold, mildew and other fungal growth. Furthermore, the complaint claims that Fiberon refused to repair the decks under its 20-year warranty.

Demand for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber, used in decking, railing, trim and other building materials, is projected to rise 13% per year until 2015, according to a report from The Freedonia Group.

Valley Forge, Pa.-based CertainTeed said it has achieved significant milestones in reducing the environmental impact at its 60-plus manufacturing facilities in North America.

Specifically, CertainTeed has reduced energy consumption by 15% and water usage by 24% over the past four years. In addition, it has decreased the amount of waste going to landfills from its facilities by 33%.

Archbold, Ohio-based WoodTrac Ceiling System by Sauder is promoting environmental standards, including recent energy conservation measures, mandating material recycling and air quality preservation. In addition to product production guidelines, the WoodTrac product features a unique “green” design that saves raw materials. 

According to Sauder Woodworking, more than 90% of the WoodTrac Ceiling product and packaging is made from recycled material.

Wayne, N.J.-based GAF announced a significant expansion of its efforts to support post-consumer shingle recycling. Building on its Certified Green Roofer program, which has more than 100 members, GAF has made a multiyear commitment to sponsor the Find-A-Recycler section of ShingleRecycling.org.

ShingleRecycling.org is the leading resource for information about recycling asphalt shingles.

A new state law that requires carpet manufacturers to add five cents to every square yard of carpeting sold or shipped into California went into effect on July 1. The purpose of the new fee is to incentivize carpet recycling and encourage the production of products made from recycled carpets. 

Leviton has launched a campaign to encourage homeowners and businesses to evaluate their lighting control needs in order to make the kinds of decision that could make a difference in energy consumption. 

The "Make the Switch" campaign in support of Earth Day 2011 includes the educational campaign "10 Smart Tips for a Greener Home.' Among the tips:

• Dimming lights 25% cuts energy usage by 20% and extends a bulbs life four times longer;

The vast majority of consumers are not recycling their compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, and the result is tons of mercury released into the environment, according to an article in the Contra Costa Times. Statistics provided by the Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers estimate that only 2% of consumers and one-third of businesses recycle CFL bulbs. 

Medina, Minn.-based Rockler Woodworking and Hardware introduced a Protective Bench Mat made from 100% recycled rubber tires. The three-millimeter thick mat measures 24 in. by 60 in.; protects the tops of work benches; and saves tools and projects from the scratches, dings and dents associated with general labor tasks in a shop. 

Having worked heavily with marketing research for more than 30 years, I know just how useful it can be to make better business decisions, but like all tools there are limitations. One very important issue with marketing research is that we often measure peoples’ attitudes, but what we really care about is their behavior. In some cases, there is a very close link between the two and sometime not so much. Let’s consider two examples.