Healthy Communities:
Healthier Furnishings Campaign with Sustainable Furnishings Council
High Point, North Carolina October 2017-Present
Parsons Healthy Materials Lab with the Center for Environmental Health, and the American Sustainable Business Council join forces with Sustainable Furnishings Council to encourage inquiry and improvement in the residential furniture manufacturing industry.
Together, we launched an environmental health initiative called “What’s it Made Of?” which encourages the elimination of dangerous substances commonly included in furniture production. This comes at a time when businesses are becoming increasingly aware that consumers desire healthier interiors. Material transparency is key to improving the health quality of furniture. The furniture industry recognizes that ultimately, this requires a better understanding of their supply chains.
"Consumers often assume that furniture and other products are made from safe materials, but unfortunately, that is often not the case," says Judy Levin, Pollution Prevention Director, Center for Environmental Health.
The initiative consists of a simple pledge for manufacturers to ask their suppliers about the substances in the materials they use and in the products that they make. The pledge reads:
“As a business leader, I am concerned about the health of our world - my employees, customers, communities, and the global environment. I am committed to reducing the use of chemicals that pose harm to human health and the environment. As a first step, I commit to ask my suppliers about the presence of chemicals of concern like flame retardants, fluorinated stain treatments, antimicrobials, vinyl, and VOC’s including formaldehyde, that may be present in the products that we produce/specify/purchase.”
Chemicals and materials of concern include:
Volatile Organic Compound including Formaldehyde
Flame Retardant Chemicals
Fluorinated Stain Treatments,
Polyvinyl Chloride, known as PVC
Antimicrobial Chemicals
"The Pledge to Ask "What's it made of?" starts the conversation between manufacturers and buyers about dangers currently present in home furnishings and the need to look for solutions." says Susan Inglis, Exec. Director of Sustainable Furnishings Council.
Signatures gathered at the launch numbered near 300 and continue to increase through the Sustainable Furnishings Council membership efforts. Sustainable Furnishings Education Fund is committed to supporting businesses in improving their supply chains, and in being useful to consumers, who prefer environmentally safe furnishings.
Coming together for this Initiative, Sustainable Furnishings Council, American Sustainable Business Council, Center for Environmental Health, Parsons Healthy Materials Lab and others are building upon efforts they have been making individually. Each organization is focused on raising awareness, educating, and providing guidance within the home furnishings industry as well as to consumers.
The “What’s it made of?” Initiative was announced at the Sustainable Furnishings Council’s 10th Anniversary Celebration at High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina in October, 2016.
"Transparency is good for business, which is why we and the businesses we represent strongly support the "What’s It Made of" Initiative," says David Levine, CEO, American Sustainable Business Council.
“When people’s health is considered in the design and manufacture of furniture, then homes will be the havens that we want them to be.” says Jonsara Ruth, Design Director of Parsons’ Healthy Materials Lab.
About the Sustainable Furnishings Council
Sustainable Furnishings Council is dedicated to promoting healthy environments inside and outside, providing the most comprehensive information on environmental, safety and health issues in the home furnishings industry and championing initiatives that improve products and processes. The SFC and its qualifying members respond to environmental and social issues and offer specific information to consumers, the media and other partners. SustainableFurnishings.org | @SFCouncil | Facebook | Instagram
About the American Sustainable Business Council
The American Sustainable Business Council advocates for policy change and informs business owners and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant, sustainable economy. Through its national member network it represents more than 200,000 business owners, executives and investors from a wide range of industries. www.asbcouncil.org
About the Center for Environmental Health
The Center for Environmental Health has a 20-year track record of protecting children and families from harmful chemicals in our air, water, food and in dozens of everyday products. CEH also works with major industries and leaders in green business to promote healthier alternatives to toxic products and practices. www.ceh.org @4envirohealth | Facebook | Instagram
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