Green Resource: Sustainable Furnishings Council
I was thrilled to be invited to serve as an Ambassador to the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) for a second year! I’m very passionate about this cause, both as an environmentalist and a mother. With fires raging across California, the effects of climate change have never felt so tangible.
The Sustainable Furnishings Council is a coalition of manufacturers, retailers and designers dedicated to raising awareness and expanding the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices across the home furnishings industry. Our mission is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint, and to help consumers find healthier products and design services. Our strategy for industry transformation is to increase interest in environmentally safe furnishings and promote the development of more sustainable options. SFC members take immediate steps to minimize carbon emissions, waste stream pollutants, and un-recyclable content.
An increasing number of manufacturers and retailers are joining the Sustainable Furnishings Council as members, and their focus on sustainable practices will only increase with consumers demand. Part of my role as an Ambassador is to share the amazing resources that the SFC has created to help connect consumers with sustainable products. You can easily search for specific product types from hundreds of amazing brands, from wood furniture to upholstery, fabrics and mattresses with their “Find Furniture” search feature. A few of our favorite manufacturers are highlighted in the photo above: Copeland Furniture, Libeco Fabrics, Lee Industries, and Naturepedic Mattresses.
The Wood Furniture Scorecard is another handy guide to help you make earth-friendly furniture selections. The SFC scored 94 North American furniture retailers on how they factored in the importance of forest health into their manufacturing and sourcing practices, ensuring that the company is effectively addressing, rather than adding to, the problem of deforestation and forest degradation. You can quickly see how your favorite retailers rank and make informed purchases, supporting the companies that align with your values. When in doubt, look for FSC certified wood, which is considered the gold standard for wood harvested from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial and environmentally conscious. You can read more about our eco-friendly interior design services and find additional resources on our Green page.