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Summer Market moves in eco-friendly direction
![]() ![]() This is the third Market in which the World Market Center Las Vegas has gone green by providing interested buyers with a centralized place to find eco-friendly products. The Living Green PavilionSM has been popular since its inception, and is attracting more cuttingedge sellers than ever before. “All products shown inside the Living Green Pavilion have a legitimate eco-story,” says Sustainable Furniture Council board member and Living Green PavilionSM Leasing Manager, Jeffrey Hiller. “Some products are made from recycled materials, others from FSC-certified wood or other sustainably harvested materials. This is truly a green showcase.”
Within the Living Green PavilionSM, the green theme spans contemporary, transitional and traditional styles in virtually all segments, including upholstery, case goods, accent furniture, accessories and bedding. The Market will also welcome many first-time exhibitors, such as Harden Furniture, a full-line manufacturer that has been sourcing materials and building furniture in upstate New York for more than a century. Harden was one of the first to be awarded Silver Exemplary Status by the Sustainable Furniture Council earlier this year. Eco Exotic will showcase unique products from Indonesia, all of which use 100 percent FSC-certified lumber. Attendees can also look forward to major presentations from design-oriented companies such as Natural Fine Furnishings and Asian Art Imports.
At more than 12,000 square feet, the Living Green PavilionSM and adjacent buyer's lounge will be an attraction, in and of itself, in its own premium glass enclosed showroom on the fifth floor of Building C. “Frankly, green areas are no longer a novelty at trade shows; they are expected by buyers,” Maricich said. “Our leasing and programming teams have worked closely with the Sustainable Furniture Council to make our Living Green PavilionSM at the July 2008 Market the most successful and authentic green furniture venue in the world.” Specific to this Market is the design elements of the Living Green PavilionSM that emphasize sustainable materials in the set-up of the Pavilion itself. There has also been a concerted effort to secure a wide range of substantial manufacturers with eco-friendly products that have mainstream appeal from a design, availability and pricing standpoint. It's a way of combating the common perception that these types of products are unusual niche products that carry a price premium. And the momentum doesn't stop once Market ends. Special efforts are also being made year-round to ensure that manufacturers in the Living Green area are delivering legitimately sustainable products. Participants have to meet criteria on a specified list of possible participation requirements. Complementing the Living Green PavilionSM, other juried showcase sections planned for the fifth floor include ConTextSM and Design & LivingSM. Combined, the trio represents a comprehensive array of the home furnishings industry's most discriminating creations.
Powerful green programming: Brave New World Environmental Leadership Series
In addition to showcasing the latest in furnishings and accessories, a diverse lineup of free education seminars will also be a highlight for attending buyers.
Get a clear picture of the state of sustainability in our industry based on exclusive consumer research that probes awareness, interest and willingness to pay, and make yourself the expert for your staff and customers.
This talk touches on the whole interior space and indoor air quality, from flooring, walls, substrates (formaldehyde or not), what really is a zero-VOC wall finish and how some manufacturers greenwash in their claims.
Szenasy finds signs of green in every area of design, from urban plans to everyday objects. From her editor's chair, she conducts a lively and far-ranging tour of the new world of socially conscious, ethically informed, tech-savvy design. ![]() Be sure to attend the greatly anticipated awards ceremony, honoring the winner of the “One Good Chair” international design competition. Designers from around the world have contributed their vision for a new kind of “eco-chair” that focuses first and foremost on form. See related story on page 10. Party on the fifth floor at Global Convergence! Design & LivingSM, ConTextSM and Living Green PavilionSM are the anchors for the sophisticated, world-class juried exhibit that blankets the fifth floor of Building C. Network with the judges and winners of the One Good Chair International Design competition.
The Related Companies' vice president of sustainability will speak candidly about the company's process for setting its goals and metrics for “going green.” The Sustainable Furniture Council (www.sustainablefurniturecouncil.org) will also host a variety of retailer-specific sessions. For a detailed listing of the extensive green programming, visit www.LasVegasMarket.com/events. |
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