Jennifer Bishop Design: Product Knowledge

Yesterday I went to a product knowledge seminar for one of our flooring distributors. We listened to representatives from 4 major companies discuss their up and coming products as well as what they are doing (or had already been doing) within their companies to become green compliant with some of the changes in requirements for 2009. I was happy to hear from all 4 companies that most, if not all their products are manufactured here in the U.S. Why does this matter to us? Well besides the point that it will help us keep our jobs which seem to be in limited supply lately, it is better for our environment. Buying closer to home leaves a smaller carbon footprint on our planet.

One topic in the meeting discussed was the amended Lacey Act which prohibits all trade in plant products (e.g., furniture, paper or lumber) that are illegally sourced from any U.S. state or any foreign country. It will require importers to declare the country of origin of harvest and species name of all plants contained in their products. Again, why does this matter to us? Because it will help protect the world's remaining forests, and the people, wildlife and global climate that depend on them. So before you decide to install that beautiful Exotic Hardwood in your home think of alternatives such as a laminate version look alike or a hardwood that can regenerate itself quicker. To become responsible designers now, we have needed to educate ourselves on more than just the form and function of a product for our clients but it's effects on our environment as well.