We just got back from the USGBC show in Denver, and it was great to see all of the excitement around American Clay. We have some new products coming out, that I could tell you about… but then I would have to kill you. You should all keep an ear close to the ground to be the first in line when they do come out. We would love to hear from you about your success stories. You can send me an email to

Shaylor@americanclay.com

and share your love for American Clay.

Hello, Everyone.

We are proud to announce our new Photo Gallery with updated pictures as well as some of our old favorites. You will need the Flash Plugin to view the gallery, which is available as a free download (click here). Please click here to see the new Photo Gallery.

Best,
Andy
American Clay Webmaster

View the complete list at Inc.com

Croft Elsaesser knew what was causing his headaches. He worked in the building trades, applying decorative finishes to residential interiors with paints, shellacs, urethanes, and oil glazes. What all those materials have in common are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs–toxic chemicals that can damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Elsaesser decided there had to be a better way. He began researching the way buildings were finished before the advent of chemicals and learned about the plasters that had been used for centuries in Europe, earthen clay mixed with sand.

Elsaesser has brought back that tradition with American Clay, the company he founded in Albuquerque in 2002. With the help of his mother, Carol Baumgartel, an interior designer and a ceramist, Elsaesser developed a line of refined clays receptive to most colors, in a range of textures, and containing none of those nasty VOCs. The materials quickly caught on among contractors in the Southwest, where people are accustomed to working with clay. And the company is fast developing a national presence. In 2004, the National Association of Home Builders honored American Clay for “a product that has the best potential to advance the cause of resource-efficient home construction.” Sales for 2006 are projected to hit $2.5 million.

Elsaesser continues to look to the past for inspiration. He recently eliminated polypropylene plastic linings from American Clay’s packaging in favor of flour sacks. And the best fringe benefit of all? No more headaches.