Sustainable Furnishings Council was founded in High Point in 2006, in what was then the South Cone showroom, to raise awareness of environmental issues that the home furnishings industry impacts, help companies reduce environmental footprint, and help shoppers find preferable products. Having made progress on all these fronts, the group is marking the occasion with several new initiatives, and with a party in the same space where it all began. The entire industry is invited to be there.
The event, to take place on October 21 at The Lofts at Union Square in High Point, will celebrate accomplishments and also include announcements of the results of two distinct and interesting programs that are new this year: #GetYourGreenOn Interior Design Competition, and the WWF Wood Scorecard Project. Those present and participating from the stage will include SFC DESIGNINGreen Leaders Thom Filicia, Mitchell Gold, Barry Dixon, Angelo Surmelis, Dann Foley, Trudy Dujardin, and others. Inspiring speeches will include a recorded message from former Vice President Al Gore. There will also be a documentary of the accomplishments of SFC member companies over the last ten years, a film which is being released in "shorts" in the lead-up. The party will feature local organic food, drinks, and local musicians to accompany dancing.
#GetYourGreenOn was conceived to recognize interior designers who have used SFC manufacturers' products in recent projects. The entries cover three areas of the home: shared spaces, private spaces, and outdoor spaces, and are at two different price levels, all featuring product from companies that have made a verifiable commitment to sustainability, to transparency, and to continuous improvement. The ongoing competition promises to be impactful in promoting sustainable and healthful home furnishings by honoring the interior designers who specify these products in clients’ residences. Winners will be announced and also featured in the SFC booth in Suites at Market Square throughout the Market.
Responding to a question raised by SFC member World Wildlife Fund, the WWF Wood Scorecard Project inquires into how much the US furniture industry knows about where its wood resource is coming from. Using information in the public domain, researchers sought answers and will be reporting on what they found. The program includes giving companies an opportunity to improve their scores by making use of a variety of tools that SFC and WWF make available to members and to the industry. The program exemplifies SFC's commitment to drive meaningful change that supports a healthy future, inside and outside.
As its second decade begins, the Sustainable Furnishings Council continues to develop programs that support furnishings companies in reducing energy consumption and minimizing harmful chemical inputs. The organization also continues to help consumers find products and sources that are healthy for families and for the environment. Qualifications for membership and the standard for recognizing Exemplary companies emphasize transparency and certifications that cover the “triple bottom line.” Members commit to participating in the effort to drive change up and down their supply chain. To that end, SFC provides educational opportunities not only to members, but also to the industry at large, and is throwing open the doors at their party, welcoming RSVP's on their website from everyone.
