Terra cotta, meaning baked earth in Italian, is one of the oldest building materials, dating back to before Christ, when it was sun-dried and not oven-baked.
Today it can be glazed or unglazed and gives any decor a rustic, traditional European flavor.
Terra cotta can be used in almost any part of home decor or landscaping and is one of the most durable building and decorating materials available; but is it "green"? Green building is as much about design as it is about the materials being used.
There isn't an exact science to defining whether a material is green or not, but it is important to have some guideline for analysis and testing of products that fit what green means.
For more information on all the materials you may want to use in any of your remodel projects, go to GreenSpec, published by the Environmental Building News.
A summary of product standards are:

• Products made with salvaged, recycled, or agricultural waste content.
   
• Products that conserve natural resources.
  
• Products that avoid toxic or other emissions.
  
• Products that save energy or water.
  
• Products that contribute to a safe, healthy environment.
  

  Does terra cotta fit these standards?  

• Terra cotta is a refined clay product that, when unglazed, can be suitable for in-ground use, gardenware and sculpture, or building decoration, even in tropical environments.
  This is due to its porous properties.
  
• It is mostly used as tableware, sanitary piping, and building decoration, but must be glazed when used outdoors in freezing conditions.
  Some types of terra cotta can be recycled.
  It comes in a variety of looks, designs, and applications.
  
• Rougher textures with matte-glazed finish are used for high-traffic areas to prevent staining and dirt build up.
  There are sealants that will maintain a natural look.
  Avoiding sealants, mortars, grouts, and adhesives that use petroleum or plastic additives will help keep the terra cotta green
• Terra cotta, as flooring, is cold and hard.
  And because it is a baked product, it easily chips and cracks and is slippery when wet.
  

  Terra cotta is a material with very little cons and many pros.
A durable product, terra cotta endures the test of time.
By using terra cotta for its entire lifecycle, avoiding chemical additives, and recycling it afterwards, it will be a great addition to your green decor and landscaping.