SIGN UP FOR SUSTAINABILITY
New Lunch-and-Learn Events Take Stage at Market

A recent MTV/CBS poll of young people ages 13 to 24 found that most believe the time to do something about global warming is right now. Many pick the environment as the biggest problem that their generation will need to solve.

“This is the next generation of furniture consumers and it’s clear the environment is top of mind for them,” says Chris Bruning, vice president of Dallas-based manufacturer Groovystuff. “Nearly 90 percent say they will choose brands that are aligned with a social cause.”

Given this growing trend, sustainability will no doubt be top of mind for many this Market. Furniture designers, retailers, interior designers, manufacturers and marketers seeking insight are invited to a pair of educational lunchtime events set for October 2nd and 3rd from noon to 1 p.m. under the tent in the Century Courtyard at Market Square. Sponsored by the Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC), Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) and the High Point Market Authority, along with High Point Market exhibitors Caperton Furnitureworks and Groovystuff, the lunch-and-learn series will focus on product sustainability and responsible wood sourcing.

On Tuesday, October 2, Mike Italiano, president and chief executive officer of the Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability (MTS), presents “Sustainability 101,” a primer for defining, producing, selling and marketing ecologically sound products. Italiano’s talk will detail evaluation criteria on the subject of sustainability. Attendees may qualify for CEU credits for this event.

The next day, Wednesday, October 3, Daphne Hewitt, senior projects manager for the Rainforest Alliance’s TREES program, will discuss the challenges of responsible wood sourcing along with its impact on the furniture industry. In light of growing consumer demand, Hewitt will supply ideas and tools for both producers and sellers of wood furnishings.

Italiano is founder of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) with more than 35 years of environmental experience, including a post as senior analyst in the White House Science Office. As assistant to the director for the National Commission on Water Quality, he helped write the Congressional Report on the Clean Water Act. He has published more than 50 articles in the environmental field and authored four books on related subjects. For industry, Italiano directed the development and approval of SMART© Sustainable Products Standards for the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association.

Since 2000, Hewitt has worked for Rainforest Alliance, an internationally acclaimed non-profit environmental organization. Her primary role has been to lead initiatives which link wood purchasers to sustainable sources, through the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartSource service program. She is experienced in sustainable forest management and international development, with a focus on tropical Latin America. Her field projects in six countries work to improve the livelihoods for rural and indigenous communities. Hewitt serves on the board of directors for the furniture industry’s Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC).

An eco-friendly lunch will be provided each day. Seating is limited and reservations are needed for both events by September 27, and should be made via email to: jan@highpointmarket.org. Please state which event you will attend in your email.