Our Mission
Acknowledging that the construction and housing industries are broken, Eco Building Products has chosen an alternative approach to constructing buildings so that home owners and contractors can create buildings intelligently, efficiently, sustainably and affordably.
Our Vision
We envision thriving communities of intelligent and active adults living simply and within their means. By moderating their consumption and respecting all earthly beings these inspired communities choose sustainable lifestyles aligned with earth's natural cycles. And despite all of the global challenges they will face, they prosper living gracefully and peacefully.
Arbor Day, Our Time to Plant Trees and Celebrate our Future!
Eco Building Products has chosen to make Arbor Day its primary environmental impact mission, and contributing 1% of its annual gross profits to plant thousands of trees in the lower northwest peninsula of Michigan aligns with its company values and commitment to sustainability. Arbor Day is a unique secular holiday dedicated to encouraging individuals and communities to plant and care for trees. Unlike many holidays that look back on historical events, Arbor Day is inherently forward-looking, symbolizing hope for the future through the simple, powerful act of planting trees. Its core meaning lies in celebrating the immense value trees bring to the environment, our communities, and generations yet to come. Trees provide clean air and water, protect healthy soil, support biodiversity, and play a crucial role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.
The purpose of Arbor Day is to promote tree planting and raise awareness of the vital role trees play in maintaining ecological balance and supporting human and wildlife health. Established in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska, Arbor Day led to the planting of over one million trees on its very first observance and has since inspired similar celebrations and reforestation efforts worldwide. The holiday encourages community involvement, educates the public—especially children—about environmental stewardship, and inspires action against deforestation and environmental degradation.
Eco Building Products (EBP) has chosen Arbor Day as its primary environmental mission because the holiday’s spirit aligns perfectly with our company’s values and commitment to sustainability. We believe that planting and nurturing trees is one of the most direct and impactful ways to invest in the planet’s health, strengthen communities, and leave a positive legacy for future generations. Trees are at the heart of environmental well-being, and supporting Arbor Day allows us to make a tangible difference.
To put this commitment into action, EBP donates 1% of its annual gross profits to plant thousands of coniferous and deciduous trees in the lower northwest peninsula of Michigan. This ongoing initiative not only helps restore local forests and enhance biodiversity but also supports efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation. By making Arbor Day central to our environmental mission, EBP is proud to foster community involvement, promote environmental education, and work towards a healthier, greener future for all.
Solstice and Equinox Sales
Eco Building Products makes it simple for customers to save on green building supplies with our popular seasonal sales. Every year, we celebrate the Winter and Summer Solstice as well as the Spring and Fall Equinox with special sales events. These are timed to help you get ready for the changing seasons, featuring products perfect for projects before and after each season. During our Winter and Summer Solstice Sales, you may find discounts on items that prepare you for extreme cold or hot weather.
So, products like our sheep wool insulation or energy recovery ventilators might be on sale. For the Spring and Fall Equinox sales, we focus on durable andl ong-lasting outdoor deck stains and finishes, as well as durable and non-toxic exterior sealants for your ornamental and edible raised bed home gardens to get ready for summer.
Each sale is carefully curated to offer high-quality, environmentally friendly building materials that cater to both DIY homeowners and professional contractors.
By aligning these sales with the solstices and equinoxes, Eco Building Products helps customers save on items that fit their upcoming projects, while promoting an eco-conscious and sustainable approach to building and renovating.
Do you...
Love the earth?
Believe your dollar matters?
Know that our current system is unsustainable and needs to change?
Want to do things differently?
Well, welcome home. Here, we are taking a new approach to the conventional lifestyle by living, breathing, and building change.
We believe in...
Living within our means.
Protecting natural habitats and biodiversity.
Promoting simplicity and thoughtfulness.
Reducing consumerism and its impact on our planet.
Choosing the ethical and greener way in every project we undertake.
Meet the Team
Small company. Big heart.
Jim Barnes
Owner
Meet Jim, the visionary and founder of ECO. Jim's commitment to environmental sustainability is driven by a deep connection to nature. When he's not engaging with the elements through challenging adventures like mountain biking, sailing, or back country skiing, you'll find him hard at work supporting employees, consulting with customers, and collaborating with vendors. Under Jim's leadership of nearly two decades, ECO continues to inspire us to never stop dreaming, have hope for the future, and live everyday with the Earth in mind.
Josh Piersmada
Sales Consultant | Webmaster
Josh is the one to call when you need customer support, technical assistance, and inside sales expertise for flooring, kitchen, bath, paints, stains, and caulks. A family man through and through, Josh is driven by a passion to provide healthier living and environmental preservation for the next generation. Outside of ECO, you won't be surprised to find Josh spending time in nature with family, hiking, or working on his photography.
Justin Dunaway
Operations Manager | Inside Sales
Justin is all about forging genuine connections, believing that every interaction has the potential to create growth and understanding. As Operations Manager and Inside Sales lead for ECO, Justin is dedicated to helping individuals with chemical sensitivities by introducing them to healthier, eco-friendly building products. When he's not busy helping customers, he's enjoying another profound connection—this one to the great outdoors—by camping, backpacking, mountain biking, running, or skiing.
Tyler Tafelsky
SEO & Content
Tyler, our Internet Marketing Manager, combines a love for writing, blogging, and digital strategy with a keen interest in environmental sustainability. In his free time, Tyler enjoys spending time with loved ones, bikepacking on Michigan's backroads, swimming, trail running, hiking, and camping. At ECO, Tyler gets to work with a like-minded team to inspire greener, more sustainable living spaces.
Kelley DeVine
Marketing & Design
Kelley brings a creative flair to the sustainably sourced table. Passionate about communicating the need for hope, resiliency, and creativity amidst environmental degradation, Kelley showcases the latest green innovations through newsletters and product review exchanges. Outside of work, Kelley taps into full-hearted joy through hiking, yoga, art, literature, and soaking up the sunshine.
Bailey Barnes
Accounts & Social Media
Bailey is our beloved Bookkeeper and Social Media Coordinator. She's the rockstar to know if you have any billing/invoicing questions or want to creatively collaborate. While she appreciates her role at EBP for our emphasis on green solutions, she is also called to jewelry-making in the sunshine, walking her Pomeranian, Daisy, and swimming in Lake Michigan.
A Tribute to John Newton Barnes
In July 2024, I was assigned the task of updating Eco Building Products' 18 year old Mission and Vision Statement. While creating them, I found the language that I was using was the same language that my family, friends and I often use to describe my brother, John. Realizing this connection, I felt compelled to share a little background about him and this song, Saint Johnny. Unfortunately for our natural world and all of humanity, John died at only age 24.
John Newton Barnes was passionate about a few things that he chose to humbly share. His ingenuity was profound and infectious, so people listened. His words of wisdom about building community and caring for Mother Earth were insightful, enlightening and inspirational. I am proud that Eco Building Products' mission and vision are intrinsically aligned with his heart felt principles and values.
Jim Barnes | Owner
