Buy Good Wood:
Illegal logging and poorly managed forests are significant contributing factors to increased deforestation rates worldwide. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) is the most rigorous and globally accepted standard for sustainable forest management with transparent and equitable verification. Other certification schemes frequently lack the same tracking controls that enable the wood in a finished product to be traced back to a sustainable source. FSC supply may be limited and more expensive at present, but increased demand will address both concerns. Ask for it by name. Where not available, documentation should be required for the wood you are purchasing to identify sources, and avoid hot spots like Indonesia, the Philippines and Brazil without this assurance. Illegal logging and poorly managed forests are significant contributing factors to increased deforestation rates worldwide. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) is the most rigorous and globally accepted standard for sustainable forest management with transparent and equitable verification. Other certification schemes frequently lack the same tracking controls that enable the wood in a finished product to be traced back to a sustainable source. FSC supply may be limited and more expensive at present, but increased demand will address both concerns. Ask for it by name. Where not available, documentation should be required for the wood you are purchasing to identify sources, and avoid hot spots like Indonesia, the Philippines and Brazil without this assurance. Illegal logging and poorly managed forests are significant contributing factors to increased deforestation rates worldwide. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) is the most rigorous and globally accepted standard for sustainable forest management with transparent and equitable verification. Other certification schemes frequently lack the same tracking controls that enable the wood in a finished product to be traced back to a sustainable source. FSC supply may be limited and more expensive at present, but increased demand will address both concerns. Ask for it by name. Where not available, documentation should be required for the wood you are purchasing to identify sources, and avoid hot spots like Indonesia, the Philippines and Brazil without this assurance. Illegal logging and poorly managed forests are significant contributing factors to increased deforestation rates worldwide. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) is the most rigorous and globally accepted standard for sustainable forest management with transparent and equitable verification. Other certification schemes frequently lack the same tracking controls that enable the wood in a finished product to be traced back to a sustainable source. FSC supply may be limited and more expensive at present, but increased demand will address both concerns. Ask for it by name. Where not available, documentation should be required for the wood you are purchasing to identify sources, and avoid hot spots like Indonesia, the Philippines and Brazil without this assurance.
Sell Less Leather: Leather is a strong segment, but typically involves significant transportation unless sourced in the U.S. Brazil is a large leather supplier, exporting $2 billion this year (+22 percent) to countries such as Italy and China where it is made into furniture then shipped on to the U.S., literally completing an around the world journey. Curiously, cows are also a significant producer of methane, the second most problematic greenhouse gas.
Buy American: This is practical, not political. Furniture imports have been growing at double digits for decades. The obvious benefit of turning the tide would be the reduction of direct transport costs and emissions. Furniture is large and heavy, producing a sizeable carbon footprint. And there are hidden benefits. Due to the trade imbalance, for every ship that comes into the U.S from Asia, many more return empty, doubling the impact. Also, industry is the largest user of electricity, and China has doubled its consumption since 2003 with 90 percent of new energy plants there fueled by coal versus only 10 percent of new U.S. plants
Use Less Energy: Generating electricity is the No. 1 source of CO2. Reduce your bills and your carbon footprint by getting a free energy audit, and replace every incandescent bulb in your showrooms with compact fluorescents that last 10x longer and save $15 a year.
Remodel in Green: Most retailers remodel their showroom floors on a fairly regular basis. Use eco-friendly products when embarking on these projects. There are many choices in low VOC paint, recycled or natural flooring products such as bamboo and woods such as Alowood, which is FSC certified, for interior walls. And if a new building is in your future build according to LEED sustainable building standards.
In the Store: Paper or recycled plastic bags should be the only options for packing up customers’ accessories purchase. Stock natural cleaning products and encourage customers and staff to utilize these eco friendly alternatives. Use recycled furniture tags or alternative tagging methods such as reusable balloons. Recycle your outdated fabric and leather samples by donating them to local design schools or craftspeople. Educate customers on the benefits of buying green. Hold classes in your store and place exhibits throughout your showroom that provide easily understood information on green products. Finally provide customers with simple alternatives for recycling their old furniture. Connect them to local organizations accepting used furniture donations or have them contact the National Furniture Bank Association (www.help1up.org) for a list of local furniture banks that will pick up used furniture from their homes.
In the Office: There are many ways for retailers to practice sustainability in the office. From recycling office paper, ink cartridges and batteries, utilizing online banking and paperless invoicing to sponsoring employee carpool programs and purchasing energy saving electronic equipment there are eco friendly solutions for most aspects of day to day operations. Store documents electronically and enhance marketing and advertising efforts with new electronic media, e-newsletters, and online advertising instead of print and direct mail advertising.
Warehouse and Delivery Operations: Tuning up back end operations not only saves time and money but has a positive effect on the environment. Purchase routing software to synchronize your delivery routes, use diesel or alternative fuels for trucks and keep your fleet well tuned. In the warehouse and out use energy efficient lighting, fans and heating systems. Participate in green energy programs and recycle all your packaging materials. There is a variety of cost effective recycling equipment on the market today for recycling styrofoam and many companies will pick up and pay you to recycle cardboard and shipping pallets.
Have a Plan: Deputize someone in your organization to lead a cross-departmental Green Team, put him or her on your Executive council, establish goals, write a plan, and review progress as a regular agenda item like any other order of business. Then ask all of your suppliers for their plan, and mean it.
Join the SFC: We are one small part of the puzzle with the aim of bringing the furniture industry more into alignment on this important issue. We welcome your support. Together, we are making a difference.