Industry Resources: February 2008 Archives
Sustainable furniture can use recycled materials, low or no-VOCs in finishes, natural padding materials and minimal design to conserve quantities of virgin materials. Innovation and creativity are unlimited in designing furniture that is more environmentally friendly.
Now there is a trade association for companies concerned about natural resources protection and conservation -- The Sustainable Furniture Council.
The Sustainable Furniture Council is a non-profit balanced coalition of industry players created to promote sustainable practices among manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike with a public tagging program to identify good choices.
The SFC recognizes the overwhelming scientific consensus that our world is experiencing dangerous global climate change. SFC members acknowledge the tremendous urgency, and will take immediate steps to minimize carbon emissions, waste stream pollutants, un-recyclable content and primary materials from unsustainable sources from any product platform under our control.
SFC members will utilize Life Cycle Assessment as the best method for analyzing the environmental impact of their products, and a verifiable chain of custody as the only acceptable method for tracking wood flow.
In 2008, we will be launching a public advertising and in-store tagging program for consumers to identify retailers and products which exceed our threshold sustainability standards. Our Standards Committee is currently reviewing all legitimate, independent certification schemes to establish eligibility requirements.
For a simple discussion of global warming basics, visit the Natural Resources Defense Council at www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/f101.asp
PROBLEM: Poor quality furniture with short lifespans and unsustainable materials.
SOLUTION: Certified sustainable materials and manufacturing of furniture to provide longer life and lower lifespan costs.
