Sustainability is a word you hear a lot about in today’s world. The furniture industry is seeing an increased demand for sustainable and ethical products. Sklar Furnishings is looking to become an industry leader by driving change right here in our Showroom through the partners we choose to work with to the trees we’re planting.
Our leadership at Sklar has persistently prioritized environmental action where possible, from building upgrades, HVAC and Lighting technology investments, and exceeding all requirements for recycling and waste reduction. Change always starts at home and our own actions in our showroom in Boca Raton, FL. We’re excited to share what we’ve done over the years to impact change right at home.
One area that is obviously a passion for Sklar is beautifully crafted and designed furnishings for the entire home. For years we’ve incorporated sustainable furniture into our product mix by purchasing products that use recycled materials, or sustainably forested trees and ethically and sustainably processed hides for leather finishing’s. Now more than ever, we’re actively looking for companies who can deliver on style, quality, price and sustainable products and have no shortage of amazing partners who hit all these criteria. Brands such as American Leather, Huppe, Il Loft, Trica and Reflex, are really pushing the industry forward and we’re proud to carry their product lines.
Since 2012, Sklar has donated trees for every wood-based product we sell. Since that time, we’re proud to say we’ve planted over 5,000 trees in Florida, to help replenish and rejuvenate the wood that’s removed for the products our consumers cherish and use daily. This small but important step helps keep the industry thriving, while being conscientious of the impact our purchases can make.
We feel strongly that consumer action is the fastest way to evoke change and the latest study released by the Sustainable Furnishings Council has shown shifts in consumer demand. While the most important consideration for consumers leading to purchase is still “style”, 90% of those surveyed said they’d pay up to 10% more for a furniture product that was sustainably produced or environmentally sourced. Never before has price, which strongly influences a purchase decision, been reconsidered when environmental factors are considered. This shift in perception and ultimately behaviour is exactly what can influence change upstream, through retailers directly to manufacturers. The importance of sustainability has doubled over the course of 8 years of the study!
Seeing change both within the industry as well as with consumers gives us great hope for the future of the furnishings business and with the help of our amazing clients and suppliers, Sklar commits to be at the forefront of the movement to further enhance and improve upon our past successes. Stay tuned for more on the topic throughout our series.
