Smart Furniture Buying Savvy

Folks are stepping on the eco friendly bandwagon and this is good. Just don't be too hard on yourself.

Manufacturers are listening and introducing new products and company procedures that move in eco friendly directions. Now that's the key. Sustainability is a process and each introduction or change teaches us more about what can be done.

Meanwhile, lots of new terms get thrown around - VOC (volatile organic chemicals), etc.- that can be bewildering. Looking for the perfect "green" product can be confusing and unlikely.

But you have already made the biggest step. You care about our environment and you deserve credit for your movement toward sustainability,

The growth of our consciousness doesn't require that we spend days and weeks researching the entire supply chain to find one flaw in a company's processes. Instead; stay away from companies that completely ignore green issues and support manufacturers who attempt to be eco friendly.

Important Clues to Eco Friendly Furniture Manufacturers

Company membership in eco friendly organizations indicates that a manufacturer cares. These suppliers are moving in sustainable directions, sharing ideas and meeting organizational standards. These labels demonstrate a company's eco consciousness. The labels are an indication that your purchase supports their efforts towards more earth friendly products. Here are some examples.

The Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) This program is managed and annually audited by an independent third party that has absolutely no direct or indirect association with members. Their mission is to promote and recognize environmental stewardship and sustainability. Prairie Rugs is a founding member and has one of the best mission statements around. Stanley Furnitureis the largest member of SFC. Another member is Rowe Furniture manufacturer of moderately priced sofas.

RugMark randomly inspects the looms of companies that agree to employ adults only. Through independent certification and rigorous inspections you know your rug is child-labor-free. Moreover, RugMark has freed more than 3,000 children from weaving looms. Their educational programs provide children with rehabilitation, daycare, literacy programs, formal schooling and vocational training. Angela Adams a weaver in Maine and Mat the Basics of Redondo Beach, CA are typical members of Rugmark.

GREENGUARD's Environmental Institute (GEI) mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs thatimprove indoor air. In accordance with that mission, GEI currently has three third-party certification programs: Indoor Air Quality, Children & Schools and Building Construction Building. GEI measures chemical emissions including formaldehyde, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), respirable particles, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions.GREENGUARD includes a list of certified companies including Knoll Inc., Herman Miller, Inc.and Mayline Office Furniture.

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars — all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills. Energy Star also lists rebates and special offers. Check out these money saving offers before any major purchase.

U.S. Green Building Council sponsors the LEEDS certification and rating system. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEEDS homes have lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fewer problems with mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. See their Green Home Guide for interesting tips and the U.S. Green Building Council's videos. Part of this rating system includes commercial furnishings. Some of the commercial quality furniture is available to the public through manufacturers such as Herman Miller and Knoll Inc.

American Home Furnishings Alliance’s Enhancing Furniture’s Environmental Culture (EFEC) program. This program is self designed, supported, and self policed by the AHFA and their trade association membership. EFEC is a voluntary environmental management system (EMS) for furniture manufacturers. Many state regulatory agency benefits encourage member participation. This program provides internal and external benefits that create eco friendly options for customers. American Drew and Stanley have completed the EFEC program.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Products carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure consumers that they come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. More than 100 million forest worldwide were certified to FSC standards in April 2008, distributed over 79 countries. Members include Van Gogh furniture, Calligaris European Dining Furniture, Tvilum-ScanbirkMelamine Desks and Rowe Furniture Sofa Manufacturer.

Ready Set Go

It's encouraging to realize that mainstream furniture companies are paying attention to eco issues. It's more than just green wash! The public's demand is definitely helping. And now you have some basics for making your furnniture buying decisions.