It wasn’t very long ago that being “green” seemed a novel trend, one sometimes viewed more as a marketing gimmick than an actual belief system. Now, a company could easily be labeled an outcast for ignoring sustainability in their day-to-day business practices.

The Sustainable Furnishings Council launched in 2007 to support those companies who have moved in this direction, some of whom have always operated in an eco-aware mode.

Its mission is to provide education, promotion and networking opportunities for those committed to sustainable products and practices.

SFC History

SFC is the brainchild of Gerry Cooklin who was inspired to make his own company, South Cone, more sustainable during a camping trip in the Sierra Nevadas. Cooklin followed up on his own efforts with small meetings of like-minded executives at the High Point Furniture Market. Those meetings eventually blossomed into the founding meeting of SFC which involved 70 companies.

Consumer Awareness

The consumer attitude toward purchases, though not yet perfect, has most definitely changed. SFC says it believes that “sustainability has become a mandate among the buying public.” As such, the group created a public advertising campaign, DESIGNINGreen, which features designers like Thom Filicia, Barry Dixon and Alexander Julian, to promote the overall concept of sustainability, as well as an in-store tagging program to help consumers to sift through the many “green” claims out there.

Professional Advantage

The Sustainable Furnishings Council’s efforts can be of great help to professionals as well. Not only can eco-friendly designers have their own products certified or easily find the right products for an environmentally-conscious client, but such certifications can pave the way for larger projects to reach larger levels of certification as well. With the importance of LEED compliance and the benefits that come along with it, designers can ensure everything down to the office chairs has a healthy, environmentally-friendly composition simply by looking for the SFC logo.

And you needn’t worry your choices will be limited. SFC already boasts more than 400 members and has secured friends in high places like Rainforest Alliance and World Wildlife Fund. It has also established a presence at the major furniture markets and trade shows including Las Vegas Market where SFC is co-sponsor of the One Good Chair competition.

(Return to 5 Eco- & Socially-Responsible Organizations to Know.)