Worried about your contribution to environmental damage? Diminishing forests? Ever growing landfills?
There are creative ways you can help – and what you do matters because even small changes can make a big difference. Just using eco-friendly materials and methods for building home furnishings is a big step in the right direction. The environment will thank you, and so will your customers.
Sustainable Wood
It’s not news that our forests are in trouble. Wood is in high demand, and it doesn’t replenish quickly. It takes 10 to 200 years for a tree to grow big enough to be suitable for paper, building or furniture. But harvesting lumber does not need to destroy forests. In fact, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies wood from ecosystems that are carefully managed to stay healthy even as they produce wood. As of March 2014, the FSC has certified 34,404,348 acres of forest in the US. By using certified wood, you can help protect the environment – and let your customers know you care about their children’s future.
Recycled and Recyclable Metal and Plastic
Many metals and plastics can be refabricated into entirely different products. Recycled plastic from detergent and milk bottles can become patio furniture. Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely and made into hundreds of furnishings. These materials often make products that last a lot longer, too, impressing your customers with high quality as well as environmental vision. And impressed customers, as you know, are more likely to return -- and to recommend you.
Reclaimed Materials
Did you know you can buy steel cable from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco? In 1993, much of it was replaced and sold. One company, Golden Gate Design and Furniture, uses the distinct red cable to make functional and memorable products ranging from desk lamps to headboards. See one of their coffee tables to the right. Along the same lines, wood from demolished houses can be used to make designer furniture with an artistic and rustic feel that gives them a unique “distressed” look. Why not make a coffee table from a tire? Or mount old drawers on the wall to make shelves? Whenever you give materials new life, instead of throwing them out, you diminish your ecological footprint.
Save Gas, Save the Environment
It’s important to find creative and unexpected ways to help keep our planet healthy. For example, every time you drive to take a check to the bank you add greenhouse gases to the air. But you don’t have to. You can make deposits without leaving your shop by using Remote Deposit Capture. This can save you time and money as well as reduce air pollution. Couple that service with check guarantee and you can sell your extremely cool and ecologically friendly products without worrying that a customer’s check will bounce. Let’s not forget the multiple check premium either. This feature allows your customers to write 2-4 checks to be deposited over a 30 day period. You take payment on the spot, they walk out with new furniture now, not in 30 days. It’s a win/win for everyone.
Click the link below to learn more about using remote deposit capture for a happier you and a healthier Earth!
