Thomas Russell — Furniture Today,
AT THE MARKET — The Sustainable Furniture


Council brought its message to High Point with a party and presentation.

SFC Chairman Gerry Cooklin, also president of Chilean manufacturer South Cone, spoke at the gathering in his company’s showroom here. For several years, Cooklin has pushed for the formation of a group that makes and markets sustainable, or environmentally friendly, furniture products.

South Cone uses sustainable materials in about 40% of its product mix and is aiming for 100% eventually, he said. Sustainable hardwoods include, but are not limited to, timber grown in managed forests that replace each tree that is cut down.

“We are the ones that add so much value to that resource,” he said. “If we learn to harvest it sustainably, there will be enough resources for everyone.”

Higher-end companies like his have a unique opportunity to market sustainable products, he added.

“If we sell to the higher-end customer, as South Cone does, we have the ear of the people who are the movers and shakers of this world,” said Cooklin.

He noted the widespread concern over global warming caused by human activities, particularly the destruction of rainforests.

Cooklin urged people in the industry to join the SFC, which now has about 40 members.

He said that individuals and companies that don’t know how to make a difference on their own can make a difference as part of a growing coalition.

“There is a point at which we reach a critical mass,” he said, noting the effort will also involve educating consumers. “We’ve got to change how we do things. It’s going to take a while.”