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This report gives a summary of a research project which aimed to identify and assess environmentally safer chemical alternatives to flame retardants commonly used in furniture foam.

This case study describes the adoption of regulations on lead paint in Philippines and how this came about through a collaboration between government, civil society and industry.

This case study highlights three main achievements resulting from the EPR pilot that tested potential collection channels, determined local e-waste treatment costs, and promoted environmentally sound e-waste management and gender equality in Nigeria's electronics sector.

1. Setting an EPR financial mechanism by understanding local collection and recycling costs and estimating the EPR fee based on local costs.
2. Reducing the health and environmental risks associated with e-waste management practices by ensuring hazardous materials like mercury and Persistent Organic Pollutants in e-waste are recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
3. Improving the health, security, and safety of waste management workers, including women who face various risks in the sector.

The study concludes with a summary of the next steps and key learnings that emphasize the importance of environ-mentally and socially responsible e-waste management with a focus on gender equality in the sector.

This case study describes the ongoing renovation of a home in Pennsylvania using HempLine, a natural insulation product. The home is designed to be fully disability accessible, making healthy building materials particularly important. The renovation will act as a model for the future of healthy, affordable and accessible housing, and prove to other developers that the radical change this industry needs is possible.

"What's it Made of?" is an environmental health initiative which encourages the elimination of dangerous substances commonly included in furniture production. The initiative involves a simple pledge for manufacturers to ask their suppliers about the substances in their materials and products. "What's it Made of?" was launched in 2016 and instantly gained over 300 signatures, which continue to grow through the efforts of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

Dublin Crossing is a 50-unit, 3-storey affordable housing development in Minnesota. The specifications for the development were benchmarked against the HomeFree hazard spectrums and incorporated measures such as low-VOC paint, and doors and millwork using NAUF (No Added Urea Formaldehyde) composite wood products. The project was used as an opportunity to explore alternative flooring options to reduce toxins whilst meeting practical requirements such as durability and easy maintenance.

Breathaplasta is a lime-based plaster system designed to be thermally insulating and moisture regulating. The product is made from a bio-aggregate which is engineered to reduce the risk of condensation and mould, reduce heat loss and improve thermal comfort. Breathaplasta is produced by Adaptavate, a UK-based company which aims to support healthier and more resource-efficient buildings.

Safer Consumer Products (SCP) has compiled a list of alternatives to PFASs in carpets and rugs to assist manufacturers looking for substitutes. The alternatives have been grouped into two categories: non-chemical and chemical alternatives. Products and manufacturers are listed but they are not endorsed by SCP and the safety of the alternatives has not been assessed.