The Sustainable Guide To Market

Great green sourcing tips from our friends at Furniture Lighting & Decor

Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in sustainably-designed products and spaces. According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council’s (SFC) 2018 Green Home Furnishings Consumer Study, 98 percent of respondents expressed concern over environmental issues, with 76 percent saying they’re willing to pay more for home furnishings that are environmentally safe and stylish.

For sustainability-minded retailers and designers, sourcing eco-friendly products comes down to prioritizing the health of both their client and the planet. Here are some tips to help you find sustainable sources.

Mill Collective features small-batch studios and workshops that value the creative process, materials consciousness and workmanship.

Mill Collective features small-batch studios and workshops

Mill Collective

The Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) is a great resource for finding vendors that are committed to sustainability and transparency. SFC Certified manufacturers have pledged to take steps to “minimize carbon emissions, waste stream pollutants, un-recyclable content, and primary materials from unsustainable sources”. Their list of approved vendors is a great cheat sheet for finding sustainable products.

SFC certified Cisco Brothers

Cisco Brothers is SFC certified and committed to responsible wood sourcing. The manufacturer uses Forest Stewardship Council Certified wood in its frames and furniture.

SFC certified Currey & Company

High Point Market also offers a ‘Green’ filter in its online Exhibitor directory. Just click “Select Filters,” scroll down to “Options,” select “Green,” and you will see only those exhibitors who have explicitly identified as following sustainable practices.

SFC certified Vanguard Furniture

Sticking with Made in America products can help reduce the environmental impacts of transport. Plus, it can be a shortcut to making sure you’re following the national, state and local laws that regulate everything from how resources are used to how workers are treated. At High Point Market, showrooms on the 10th and 11th floors in IHFC are a great place to look, with featured Made in America exhibitors including Borkholder, Simply Amish, Saloom, Vaughan Bassett and Gat Creek.

Made In America: A Furniture Story

In addition to showcasing exhibitors with sustainable products on display, High Point Market recognizes showrooms for their sustainable practices at Market. Each fall, the Market Authority honors one vendor that goes above and beyond with its handling of trash and recycling with its Green Market Award. Market is an especially busy time for the City of High Point’s Public Services department, and the city is responsible for recycling more than 500 tons of cardboard and other recyclables during a typical event.

SFC certified EJ Victor

Showrooms that comply with city guidelines help ensure that the collection of recycling and trash runs smoothly. Last fall’s Green Market Award was given to Violino for its contributions to the clean and safe environment Market attendees expect. Previous recipients have included Ambella Home, New Classic Home Furnishings, Hickory White and Market on Green.

Download SFC’s spring 2021 Guide to Green.

About Furniture Lighting & Decor

Launched in January 2017, in response to an industry trend that sees more and more lighting showrooms becoming multicategory stores, Furniture Lighting & Decor is the only one-stop information source covering the furniture, lighting and home decor markets.