Sustainable Ideas

This division covers furniture, fabrics, upholstery, casework, window treatments and hardware, rugs and mats, accessories and artwork. Issues involved with these products are source materials and manufacturing processes. Many of the following items can be used for both commercial (which includes office, institutional, retail, hospitality. etc.) and residential applications.

TOXICITY IN FURNISHINGS

In recent years government regulations and entities (such as OSHA) have increased restrictions on the manufacturing process, which have forced many manufacturers to use less toxic products in their processes. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all products from the manufacturer and supplier. The data sheets list all toxic and hazardous substances. However, fire safety regulations, product quality standards, health and accessibility codes, which were implemented for the good of the public, sometimes conflict with specification of sustainable or healthy products.

The addition of formaldehyde was initially considered a breakthrough for many products because it lessened the drying time for adhesives and allowed fabric to become “permanent press”. Now we realize that VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) off-gas from chemicals such as formaldehyde emitted from furniture, finishes, equipment, etc. and can have negative physical consequences, especially for the upper respiratory and immune systems. While off-gassing primarily occurs during installation and initial occupancy, certain materials can emit VOC’s for years.

FABRICS

Both natural and synthetic fibers have advantages as well as drawbacks. Examples of natural fibers derived from natural sources include cotton, wool, silk, linen, hemp, coir, ramie and jute. Ideally these can be grown “organically”, free of insecticides and pesticides, and minimally processed. Look for how they are treated, whether with bleaches, dyes, fabric protectors and fire retardants, as these can all contribute to poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) emitting VOC’s, and interfere with the long term goal of creating “cradle to cradle” products.

Synthetic fibers are artificial fibers produced by combining chemicals or by altering natural fibers. Examples include rayon, acrylic, nylon, polyester, spandex and viscose. Synthetics are long lasting and are sometimes an appropriate choice and can be made with recycled content as well as renewable content or bio-based fibers such as corn, maize or rice. They are often solution dyed, resulting in color fastness and reducing the risk to water pollution.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Window coverings can aid in temperature control as well act as effective thermal barriers. Options to consider include wood and fabric blinds, natural fiber shades, and cellular shades. Components to look for are anticipated lifespan of the materials, adhesives, stains, finishes or dyes used, as well as R-values to determine the appropriateness of your selection. Many solar shade companies offer versatile control systems for any kind of window treatments that can be either manually or automatically operated. Motorized systems offer a greater degree of responsiveness to climate and light conditions, including sun sensor keypads and switches.

FURNITURE: NEW – COMMERCIAL

The materials used for commercial furniture may be from a natural source, but manufacturers have to contend with multiple environmental concerns, as well as comply with local, state and national codes. In the case of wood, for example, eliminate exotic species of wood, or purchase from sustainable forestry operations. Although it can increase the cost of wood casework from conscientious manufacturers, the long-term ramifications far outweigh the initial price increase. Awareness of how CFC’s are affecting the ozone layer is another problem, which has led to formulations of alternative foam products and should be available. All aspects of making furniture should be examined, from fabrics, hardware, stains, adhesives, finish coating material, particle board, solid wood or veneers, plastic, metals, to waste disposal, packaging, and even shipping.

Numerous sources exist to recover and recycle office systems, including work surfaces, panels, storage and seating. Manufacturers themselves provide some, and these systems can be reused over and over, promoting less use of virgin resources.

FURNITURE: NEW – RESIDENTIAL

A variety of furnishings fit under this category, including mattresses, bedding and linens, light fixtures, upholstery and cabinetry case pieces. Furnishings impact our health especially through our respiratory systems.

Again, all aspects of making furniture should be examined closely to determine the most appropriate materials and application. Mattresses, sheets, pillows and blankets are now being offered in organic fibers, unbleached and undyed. Light fixtures can be made from recycled content materials and light bulbs that are energy efficiency should always be used. Local workrooms can always be found to custom make upholstery or case pieces, and there are manufacturers who fabricate lines that are designed wisely using organic or inert materials, sustainably harvested woods, and low VOC adhesives, stains and finishes.

FURNITURE: ANTIQUE AND REFURBISHED

Second hand furniture is available that can be refinished and reupholstered. Some office product dealers carry an inventory of used office furniture. A number of specialty companies stock refurbished components for modular panel systems. Check to make sure that older modular systems will meet modern cabling demands.

Antiques such as desks should be considered if they meet the office demands. There are so many vendors of antiques that we are not listing them in this directory (see telephone yellow pages). Along with salvaged products, they provide wonderful opportunities to utilize “recycled” items.

RUGS AND MATS

Currently the most common materials used for mats are petrochemical based. However, both carpeting and rugs are available that are made from natural fibers and colored with natural dyes. There are now some mats that are made from recycled materials, such as recycled tires and old rag rugs.

SUMMARY

• Use untreated natural fabrics whenever possible.
• Use fabrics that are dyed with organic or natural pigments, free of toxins, carcinogens, and heavy metals
• Use fabrics that are solution dyed verses conventional dyeing
• Use fabrics that are naturally fire retardant and stain resistant verses needing chemical treatments.
• Consider the balance between sustainable construction and energy conservation.
• Whenever possible, use refurbished systems.
• Use regional woods for new furniture whenever possible, harvested from sustainable forestry operations.
• Avoid using exotic woods for new furniture unless you are assured they are harvested from sustainable forestry operations.
• Solicit MSDS information from manufacturers and become more aware of toxic and hazardous material content.

For more info: www.dwfcontract.com