FT launches Green enewsletter
Hi! I’m Ray Allegrezza, editor in chief of Furniture|Today. I hope you enjoy the first issue of our Green enewsletter. (click here to sign up for regular issues!)
Without a doubt, green is an idea whose time has come, at least in terms of home furnishings. We’ve seen eco-friendly furniture, fabric, accessories, eco-friendly retail facilities and more.
While all of this is encouraging, I believe this is just the beginning. Moving forward, for a variety of reasons, I strongly suspect we will see more and more of these initiatives.
With that in mind, I think it is important to point out that “going green” is a process. As such, our expectations need to be realistic. I don’t think any company can, nor should they, attempt to go green overnight. For that matter, based on all the research I’ve seen, consumers don’t expect that either. What they do expect is for suppliers to say what they mean and mean what they say.
If you sell green products, or plan to, make it a point to clearly communicate the sustainable aspects of your products to the consumer. She will not only respect you for your transparency, odds are good she will reward you with a sale.
That’s what I think. What’s your opinion?
Ron Stilwell commented:
Kerfkore board has been available in the industry for 25 years so what is new about it that makes it newsworthy.
ron
Rick Hamilton commented:
Hey Ray-
I've been watching all of this from a distance, although I'm in the furniture manufacturing business. Just wanted to get your take on the 2 competing lumber certifications schemes, SFI and FSC. Any comment?
Thanks--
Rick
Robert Schwartz commented:
Hi Ray....we're actually a company that opened up 75% green last year......the only non green products we carry are Tempur-pedic and Dormia....we are a bedding specialty store....
Natural and Organic are simple to talk about.....Nothing man made in the product....and regarding Organic....the same as natural plus the land where the raw material is grown is certified Organic (no chemicals for 10 years)....and the feed that is fed to sheep (wool) is also certified organic....
no big elaborate schpeil on the product is necessary....just the assurance that they are natural or organic...and what the raw products in the mattress are........Thanks Ray!
Jason Phillips commented:
I happen to agree with Ray on all topics that were mentioned. We at The Phillips Collection are members of the SFC and a good percentage of our product line is eco-friendly. With that said, we cannot change overnight but can be transparent in our practices and demonstrate not only a willingness and a desire to improve but to show actual, tangible signs of changing our ways. We are on a 'green mission'. Many others in the industry are on that same path. Some are already there. Making the right choices will have a positive impact on our environment. Being environmentally concious is of the utmost importance to The Phillips Collection, and our efforts have rewarded us with our customers. For 2008, we are looking for new avenues to decrease our carbon footprint and increase our presence as a frontrunner for the 'green' movement.
Tiffany Brown commented:
I think this is great and look forward to being kept up to date on the progress we are making in the furniture industry!!
Thanks
Tiffany Brown
COO
Greatpricedfurniture.com
