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Eco Rooms
Best Practice Achievements
Sustainable Materials
We make a conscious effort to manage our materials selection, seeking materials we are confident are sustainable, such as legally harvested forest products, responsibly produced plantation products, and recycled content:
Recycling and Reclamation
We factor disassembly, recyclability and product reclamation into buying decisions. We offer a product reclamation/product reuse policy:
Return and Reuse
We use recycled or recyclable packing/packaging materials, offer blanket-wrap transportation arrangements for customers and have a carton return/reuse policy:
Chain of Custody
We ask for verifiable chain of custody documents (i.e. legal logging certifications) before buying products containing wood:
Decrease use of Toxic Chemicals
We have decreased our use/acceptance of known toxic chemicals for treatments, binders and finishes, replacing compounds that compromise indoor air quality and are harmful to human health:
Low Environmental Impact Textiles
We are asking our vendors for textiles that have a lower environmental impact, i.e. organic cotton in place of conventionally-grown cotton, as well as seeking other eco-friendly textiles:
Life Cycle Analysis
We are moving forward on doing a Life Cycle Analysis and/or are applying for SMaRT certification:
Local Sourcing
We extract, manufacture and distribute for consumer use within a 500 mile radius for at least a portion of our product line:
Third Party Certifications
We hold third party certifications for some of our products, or as a store, we promote and educate the consumer on the meaning of various third party certifications:
Sharing the Wealth
We take responsibility for sharing our commitment to sustainability up and down our entire supply chain, rewarding our vendors with increased business for partnering with us on sustainability issues:
Social Responsibility Code
We have a written Social Responsibility Code of Contact that is a baseline for employee relations:
Supplier Responsibility
We have written and distributed a Supplier Responsibility Code of Conduct for our vendors and conduct training at our partner facilities on the adoption of same:
Health and Safety Code Compliance
We and our partners meet or exceed all local health and safety codes and can document our health and safety working conditions in all our facilities/stores:
We Pay Living Wages
We pay a living wage rather than minimum wage and extend that around the globe:
We Sponsor Sustainability Events
We have participated in or sponsored in-store, community and/or regional educational events on sustainability and the environment:
We Inspect
We investigate and mitigate any negative environmental impacts from our operations:
Save Paper and Other Office Resources
We save paper and other office resources with a policy expressing an aversion to excess written documentation:
We Use Energy Specialists
We have had an energy specialist or utility company audit to measure our conventional energy usage and are on track to reduce it. We are replacing a portion of the energy we consume with certified renewable energy, either directly, via a program of our local utility, or via Green e-Power:
Updated Inefficient Equipment
We have replaced outdated and inefficient equipment, identified and changed wasteful resource procedures and implemented tighter operational controls:
Energy Efficient Lighting
We have increased the use of day lighting and/or are upgrading to more energy efficient lighting system:
Verified Sustainability Claims
We make only verifiable sustainability claims in adherence with FTC mandates against greenwash and in support of their Environmental Marketing Guides:
Committed to Training
We are committed to conducting training in-house and in the broader community about global climate change and our partnership with the SFC:
In keeping with our commitment to continual improvement, we are planning to take the following actions this year: On reducing energy consumption:
2020: We changed our business model and online presence to assist clients to better choose home furnishings that have been vetted by the Eco Rooms team for their sustainability characteristics along with taking the company's mission and values into consideration. We look at products that use less energy to produce as well as products that use less energy (like appliances, lighting, etc.)
2019/2020: We will do a full home and office window replacement. We use energy efficient lighting in our office.
2018: We completed a home/home office utilities audit by our local energy provider, and have addressed the energy fluctuations. We turn off, and sometimes unplug, appliances and computers when not in use.
In keeping with our commitment to continual improvement, we are planning to take the following actions this year: On how we will manage our primary material or service to a more sustainable direction:
2020: As we create a unique supply chain for our clients' choices, we vet the Eco Rooms' vendors by material use and selection.
2019: We continue to educate our clients about a sustainable and (indoor air quality) safe home. We have additional furniture resources and materials to choose from each year.
2018: Since the inception of our design business, we ask each and every client in the intake interview: "How concerned are you about the environment?" We coach to the degree of their concern and educate about what that means in residential design. We offer all of our clients sustainable furnishings, for example FSC Certified kitchen cabinets and eco-friendly textiles and furniture.
In keeping with our commitment to continual improvement, we are planning to take the following actions this year: On education and promotion of the sustainability cause:
2020: We continue to promote all things sustainable - for a healthy home!
2019: Barb is invited to speak at a local women's group on the topic of sustainability. She hopes this will lead to more talks and more clients interested in sustainable design.
2018: Since starting my Interior Design Practice in 2004, we have sought out eco-friendly options for designing. Barb is a certified GREEN AP, having completed the GREENleaders course offered by SFC, and she can discuss and advise on best options for a beautifully designed room or house, while keeping the environmental impact on the forefront of the design. In the past, Barb has given "Sustainability Meets Design" talks in the art communities where she has lived.
