eco commitment
We continually look for ways we can increase our commitment to the environment.
When we were considering remodeling, in addition to using low VOC paints, we looked for alternatives to standard frame displays and furniture as they were not offered with renewable/environmental options and ways to minimize the issues with outgassing of volatile organic compounds, common in building materials. We were extremely happy to partner with a local company, AlterECO, and owner Thom Harrison who was instrumental in the conception and design of our cabinets and demonstrated wonderful craftsmanship:
"These display furnishings were custom designed & hand-crafted by AlterECO in Northern California, using a unique selection of ecologically responsible materials, including:
Bamboo Panels
Up to 8" in diameter & 80' tall, this is some amazing grass! Milled into narrow strips &laminated into robust, stable panels, bamboo takes on a beauty and allure that is entirely new yet informed by a long, illustrious past. Strong and durable, as well as environmentally & socially responsible, the Moso species of bamboo we use is harvested at maturity by independent farmers & is fabricated to precision specifications that surpass strict European standards for indoor air quality. BambooAlterECO's feature material is used at the exterior & open exposed surfaces of the cabinetry and furniture pieces.
Up to 8" in diameter & 80' tall, this is some amazing grass! Milled into narrow strips &laminated into robust, stable panels, bamboo takes on a beauty and allure that is entirely new yet informed by a long, illustrious past. Strong and durable, as well as environmentally & socially responsible, the Moso species of bamboo we use is harvested at maturity by independent farmers & is fabricated to precision specifications that surpass strict European standards for indoor air quality. BambooAlterECO's feature material is used at the exterior & open exposed surfaces of the cabinetry and furniture pieces.
Certified Maple Plywood
Certified by an independent agency to meet a series of criteria for environmental responsibility & indoor air quality. Used for interior casework & drawer boxes.
Certified by an independent agency to meet a series of criteria for environmental responsibility & indoor air quality. Used for interior casework & drawer boxes.
Wheat straw board
Made from waste wheat straw fiber & a formaldehyde-free binder. Used for unexposed casework components.
Made from waste wheat straw fiber & a formaldehyde-free binder. Used for unexposed casework components.
Responsible Finishes
Durable, premium quality finishes with low concentrations of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in comparison with conventional furniture finishes. This means healthier indoor air quality at our shop and at the installed location.
Durable, premium quality finishes with low concentrations of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in comparison with conventional furniture finishes. This means healthier indoor air quality at our shop and at the installed location.
Richlite
A solid surface material made from pulp derived from certified managed forests in North America. The company is committed to reducing its impact on the environment by practicing sound manufacturing processes and producing products with sustainable materials. The Nutmeg color (now called Brown's Point) was used for the desktop on this project."
A solid surface material made from pulp derived from certified managed forests in North America. The company is committed to reducing its impact on the environment by practicing sound manufacturing processes and producing products with sustainable materials. The Nutmeg color (now called Brown's Point) was used for the desktop on this project."
On an ongoing basis we:
- use paper products that are 100% recycled, usually at least 80% postconsumer waste.
- reuse, or send back to the supplier for reuse, any packaging material that is deemed reusable.
- recycle the plastic (demo) lenses that come with frames and contact lens containers, in addition to our regular recycling of office paper, cardboard, toner cartridges, plastic, etc.
- are a drop-off location for used glasses to be donated to the Lion's Club for reuse.