Furniture companies like Versa Tables in Los Angeles and Hertz Furniture in New Jersey are among the forerunners in furniture manufacturers going green.  I, for one, believe that if a company is willing to make changes to protect the environment for future generations even if it means a reduced profit margin, then they deserve a reward:  my business! Let’s encourage other companies to adopt green and sustainable manufacturing practices by flexing the power of our pocketbooks!

What makes these ‘green’ companies different?

Versa Tables, for example, uses an entirely paperless processing system. From the online order to the manufacturing floor to the distribution center, everything is organized electronically so Versa Tables isn’t destroying trees to add more paper to our landfills.

But isn’t furniture making by nature, destroying trees?

Versa Tables carefully considers specific practices associated with growing and harvesting trees, purchasing wood from American companies that engage in the use of stream buffers, protecting wildlife habitats and preventing soil erosion.  When a large company like Versa Tables chooses only to work with companies who provide wood products harvested in methods certified by, or in accordance with guidelines from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), it keeps those suppliers in business as well and encourages other suppliers to adopt green manufacturing methods.  In addition, Versa Tables 100% recycled American steel for all of the frames and sheet metal components of their tables, desks, and carts.

Hertz Furniture has also adopted a green policy called the ‘Healthy Planet’ program.’ At Hertz, all cardboard, paper, wood materials and plastic  used, including all packing materials are recycled  to minimize environmental waste.

By recycling packing materials and purchasing recycled steel and products to use in manufacturing, utilizing a paperless system, and contracting with material providers, shipping companies, and packaging providers who also subscribe to green practices, companies really can make computer furniture (or anything else) the green way.  It’s up to us as consumers to encourage the eco-friendly practices of these companies by showing them support and buying their products as well as letting others know which companies have the planet’s health at heart.