It's not so hard being green
Ray Allegrezza, Editor in Chief -- Furniture Today, February 19, 2007
To say the recent furniture market in Las Vegas was colorful would be a gross understatement. Attendees were treated to a dazzling opening-night performance by the Blue Man Group, were privy to red-hot products all during the market and, if so inclined, tried to win some gold from the casinos.
Due to the grand scale of each, those colors were pretty easy to spot. But did you happen to catch a distinct glimmer of green? I did, and was thrilled.
I had my first green moment very early Monday morning in the Four Hands showroom. The company graciously served as the host site of a meeting of the Sustainable Furniture Council.
The purpose of the meeting was to give the SFC an opportunity to update our industry on the group's mission, vision and progress.
Gerry Cooklin, owner of case goods supplier South Cone and president of the SFC, told the crowd of some 40 retailers, suppliers and media representatives that the group, formed last October, already includes 40 member companies committed to using environmentally friendly and sustainable products in furniture.
Cooklin shared the SFC's mission: The non-profit industry association is committed to promoting sustainable practices within the home furnishings industry and raising awareness among consumers and buyers.
If you've read the papers lately or have been listening to the news, you know that this is not just some warm and fuzzy effort to make us all feel better about our world. The cold reality is that if our industry doesn't begin to take going green seriously, our long-term outlook may be rather bleak.
But the good news is that the SFC is gaining momentum, interest and members every day. I am joining as a member and think you should too.
Working together, this industry can make a difference. Kermit the frog was misguided. Granted, while it will require some work, it's not that hard to be green.
If you want to know more about the Sustainable Furniture Council, send an e-mail to Cooklin at gcooklin@mac.com or Amy Chender of ABC Home at achender@abchome.com.
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