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 designers, sourcing eco-friendly products comes down to prioritizing the health of both their client and the planet. For those planning to head to this spring’s High Point Market, set for April 25-29, here are some tips to make the most of what Market has to offer.
The Sustainable Furnishings Council is a great resource for finding vendors that are committed to sustainability and transparency. Check out www.sustainablefurnishings.org to see if vendors you’re interested in are SFC-certified. Certified manufacturers have pledged to take steps to “minimize carbon emissions, waste stream pollutants, un-recyclable content, and primary materials from unsustainable sources” SFC’s list of approved vendors is a great cheat sheet for finding sustainable products. It will save you time in those busy weeks before Market – and at Market itself.
IHFC - M110, Main, Floor 1.
During Market, the SFC’s Guide to Green at High Point Market – available at information booths and on its website ahead of Market – is an invaluable resource. For a head start on your Spring 2020 planning, check out the Fall 2019 Guide. To connect with the SFC at Market, head to their showroom, T-620 in Suites at Market Square.
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.
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. Check out this video to hear some of their stories:
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 Market event. 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.
For events related to sustainability at the spring 2020 Market, stay tuned for announcements to be made in February at, www.highpointmarket.org/events.
