Earth Day 2020 is particularly interesting—the weather has been wilder, and we are facing a viral pandemic, our showroom is closed, and we can’t celebrate like we’re used to. Nevertheless, we take pride in our commitment to the environment, and doing the right thing for the planet. After all, we all have to do our part.
Way back in 2002, we decided to pursue a sustainable future. We’ve taken many steps to eliminate waste, reduce our consumption of resources, lower our carbon footprint, recycle whenever possible, and support important initiatives. The future belongs to everyone, so it’s everyone’s job to ensure a clean and healthy future—even purveyors of gorgeous design!
Sklar’s Initiatives
We’ve taken many steps to make sure we’re doing everything we can to reuse, reduce, recycle, and repurpose. We started with our showroom lighting—by using only LED bulbs we have significantly reduced electricity usage. At the end of each day, all interior lighting and tech is shut down.
We also replaced all trash receptacles in the showroom and offices with recycling bins so we could recycle as much paper and plastic as possible. We can’t get curbside recycling pickup, so we pay extra for collection of corrugated cardboard for recycling.
We have a responsible wood sourcing policy that ensures we don’t offer products containing wood harvested illegally or in contradiction to human, civil, or traditional rights. We prioritize Forest Stewardship Council certified products. Plus, we check with all our vendors to stay informed on their policies and how they manufacture their pieces.
Our Green Committee is constantly seeking new ways for us to be more efficient and sustainable. They also educate staff about where to donate their unwanted items and how they can contribute to a brighter, greener future.
Key Partnerships
We are partnered with the National Forest Foundation, and for each piece of wood furniture we sell, we donate a tree to one of Florida’s four natural forests. So far, that’s over 5000 trees—and we look forward to the next 5000! We’re also partnered with the National Wildlife Federation to support their work protecting wild spaces and animals.
We are part of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, which emphasizes stewardship of resources and responsible manufacturing, and finally we are also partnered with Habitat to ensure no unsold furniture goes unused!
Good Design, Great Purpose
We take doing our part seriously whether it’s the work we deliver in a design project, the quality of products we offer, or the ecological initiatives we support and act on. Good design doesn’t have to spoil, pollute, or damage the planet or vulnerable populations who rely on it for their sustenance. After all, ultimately we all rely on Earth for our sustenance.
Sustainability is not always easy. Sometimes it means going through more trouble, changing familiar habits, investigating things that may make us uncomfortable, or ultimately paying a higher price. In the end, we believe all these things are worth it.
