Here’s the deal.
Sourcing products is a major element of business function. Believe us, we know.
If this element is flawed, however, it can set a domino effect of complications in motion, and we’re pretty sure you’d like to avoid those at all costs.
However, environmental consciousness is not only a vital function within a company’s operations, but is increasingly becoming set as an expectation for many; it’s an attractive quality to have.
Here’s why you should be sourcing sustainably.
It turns out that just over 70% of participants in this Fast Company study expressed interest in working for a company with high sustainability standards. They even expressed willingness to a wage decrease if the business pursued a green business model (up to 10%).
Additionally, 64% of millennials in this separate poll voiced an aversion for businesses that didn’t practice social and environmental consciousness.
With that said, if you aren’t sourcing your product sustainably, this might be an unattractive quality to both consumers and the workforce (also to Mother Nature).
Here are some brands to keep an eye out for.
Coalesse sits as a part of Steelcase, offering a space for contemporary, modern office furniture to sit in its own spotlight.
Coalesse’s sustainability goals align with the same ones as Steelcase, and sit alongside numerous awards for sustainability, including BIFMA and ISO 14001 certification. Coalesse and Steelcase together have been able to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020, and an immense reduction in greenhouse gasses by 34%. Landfill waste has been reduced by 36%, and an 83% reduction in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Right on!
With the future of design in mind, Coalesse sets their sights on further goals that will better contribute to a more sustainable manufacturing network.
All information gathered from the Coalesse website.
Beginning in 1947, Hon has continuously emphasized the need for keen control on furniture life cycle, from start to finish. They focus on utilizing materials that already circulate the office world, creating pieces with already existing materials. Talk about upcycling. They’ve got parallel goals to Coalesse, including chasing a zero-waste to landfill goal, depletion in greenhouse gas emissions, and sourcing 100% renewable electricity. How cool is that?
Once you’re done with the product, they can be disassembled and recycled accordingly. They’re partnered with EPA SmartWay Shipping as well, which saves fuel and reduces emissions. Hon also carries BIFMA certifications, including a Level 2 certificate and three Level 3 certificates.
Sounds like they are on the right track to creating a sustainable future in furniture manufacturing. All information gathered from the Hon website.
What about sourcing specific materials sustainably?
Sourcing material sustainably does have its challenges, especially if you’re not the one doing the hands-on creation of a product such as furniture.
How do we, as the consumers of wood furniture, whether in residential or commercial spaces, maintain environmental friendliness if we’re not the ones going out and cutting down the trees personally?
The answer is simple: always consider pre-existing materials first before buying new. When you’re done with the furniture and are ready to swap it out for something updated, look into offering it second-hand as opposed to leaving it to the landfill.
Sourcing pre-existing materials doesn’t always have to look like buying the piece in its entirety. More specifically, using recycled wood fibers to source paper, cardboard, or other packaging materials is a fantastic way to eliminate waste in the lumber world (From the Forest).
If you can’t find products made from pre-existing materials, using products that are made from recyclable materials is a great way to source your product sustainably.
Here’s what’s recyclable:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Iron
- Tin
- Metal containers
- Glass
- Wood
- Some fabrics such as polyester
