In previous posts we discussed the use of environmentally friendly products. Whether it relates to products that consume less energy or using recycled material, we need to change the way we look at our resources and reduce the strain on the environment. In theory, this is a great concept and as a furniture designer, I have always kept an eye out for companies that promote this same ideal. Truth is, being environmentally sound is great to talk about, but you see so little being done commercially to get recycled materials onto the mainstream market. Thanks to David Lasher, President of “Sage in Design,” that gap has been made a lot smaller.

Sage in Design is located in Vista, California and is committed to identifying, developing and providing the contract furniture and commercial retail industries with environmentally-sound alternatives to traditional site furnishings. Each of the products they represent is selected for its unique contribution to the environment, whether through design, fabrication or energy saving capabilities. Product attributes include fabrication from 100% recycled paper, recycled plastic or glass, reclaimed or FSC-certified woods, paints and finishes with low or no VOCs, natural fabrics, and environmentally-sound production or packaging processes.

Check out some of these quotes from the Sage in Design site:

“As I watch my family grow, I have become interested in giving back to the world that my kids will inherit one day. Having been in the contract furniture industry for more than 25 years, I know that there is an incredible void in the industry for ‘green’ alternatives,” explains Lasher.

“Businesses are finally starting to realize the benefits of green products, both in terms of a moral business philosophy that gives back to the environment, and also from a fiscal and PR perspective. We are determined to make it easy for our customers to go green.”

I strongly encourage you to visit the Sage in Design website (http://www.sageindesign.com/index.php) to see more about their philosophy, mission, and product offerings.If you know of other companies out there that are doing the same thing, drop us a comment or email to keith@re-function.com!

Are you looking to gain an environmental advantage but never know where to look for guidance and material? Ecolect is a great site with a simple mission: “To provide the tools and resources that make it easier for you to design responsibly.”

They have created a Material NutritionLabel™ which is based on proven facts that can determine the environmental impact of a product or material. I strongly believe sustainability is no longer an ideal but needs to become a reality. The objective of this company will help that to be realized. The site also mentions their service provides:

1. An easy-to-use website featuring only materials with sustainable attributes, a place that stimulates discussion about defining sustainability and is a source of accurate information
2. A place for you to contribute user reviews and images of materials you use
3. Helpful case studies on successful sustainable design
4. An informative blog that discusses how design and ecology affect the world

This is a great concept and I am eager to monitor this site and the future of how we rate and use sustainable materials.

An quick look at Ecolect's "Material NutritionLabel"