| For years, the threat of global warming has been | | | | manufacturing bamboo baskets way back in the |
| predicted by scientist to become increase. | | | | 70s. And as part of the company's dedication |
| Unfortunately, there were only a few who | | | | towards a sustainable future, they started |
| heeded the call for more eco-friendly products. | | | | offering products made from sustainable materials |
| Today though, the awareness regarding climate | | | | such as sea grass, wicker, rattan, and abaca. With |
| change has increased. This increase in awareness | | | | the diversity in materials used for their products, |
| has paved the way for different industries to | | | | the company was able to stay true to their |
| produce green technologies and products. | | | | commitment of protecting the environment. |
| The furniture industry is also taking strides in | | | | "I brought this kind of material to the marketplace |
| joining the ranks of industries battling global | | | | and people responded to it," said Palecek. |
| warming. Heading this initiative is furniture importer | | | | "Recycling and using sustainable products go hand |
| Palecek. The company pointed out that retailers | | | | in hand. It makes all the sense in the world," he |
| can support the sustainable furniture movement | | | | added. |
| without sacrificing profits. Allan Palecek expressed | | | | Although Palecek said that there are ways |
| his message to retailers at the Sustainable | | | | through which furniture manufacturers can balance |
| Furniture Council meeting in Atlanta recently. | | | | sustainability and profit, he said that there is still |
| Held at the Atlanta International Gift and Home | | | | room for improvement. He pointed out that in |
| Furnishings Market, the meeting is centered on | | | | packaging of items, plastics are still being used. |
| informing retailers on what they can do to balance | | | | Foams are also potentially dangerous to the |
| support for sustainability and profits. Palecek | | | | environment and are also used in packaging |
| pronounced that there is a way to keep a balance | | | | furniture and other related goods such as crane |
| between the two. He said that it is possible | | | | mirrors. |
| especially with consumers also becoming aware of | | | | "There is an unbelievable amount of energy |
| the threat of climate change. Palecek also went | | | | wasted for packaging - it's billions of dollars," said |
| on to say that this awareness is more apparent | | | | Palecek. "Some of it is recycled, but for the most |
| on younger generation of buyers. | | | | part, it is wasted product," he added. |
| "The job for you is to understand and to help | | | | During the SFC meeting, setting a standard can |
| educate the consumer," said Palecek during the | | | | help retailers tell their consumers which products |
| conference. The consumer needs to be aware of | | | | are manufactured without harming the |
| what is going on...There is an opportunity for | | | | environment. This shows that the industry is |
| younger people to get behind this." | | | | working hard to make the world a better place |
| During his speech at the said event Palecek | | | | for future generations. |
| related that his company started out with | | | | |