The Arrangement has for over three decades been committed to responsible wood sourcing regarding product development, manufacture, and curatorial purchasing. SFC member since 2008, proudly displaying the SFC (Sustainable Furnishing Council1) logo on all printed advertisements, emails and hangtags.
The Arrangement, under the guidance of Katherine Snedeker, has guidelines and practices whereby suppliers using preferred certified FSC wood sources and fiber from handmade, reclaimed, eco-friendly and recycled products are used wherever possible. Policy includes preference for FSC certified as the chain of certification is documented (over other certification systems) and/or recycled wood. Read our policy here.
At no point does the Arrangement purchase wood from illegal or otherwise controversial sources, conflict timber, or wood harvesting in violation of indigenous or community rights.
The proactive plan The Arrangement is committed to is continued sourcing of products that are from responsible sustainable wood resources. We have communicated our sustainably driven commitment to responsible sourcing to our vendors to NOT knowingly purchase illegally logged wood and to avoid sourcing illegal or controversial wood that we are aware of at the time of this statement.
We are a very small, LOCAL business with showrooms in Dallas and Houston, Texas. Wherever possible we work with local artisans. We are a “small business helping other smaller businesses” stay in business. The design and manufacturing of exclusive designs by and for The Arrangement using suppliers that are from managed, sustainable valuable forests, respecting the interests of local communities and artisan workers.
The need to sustain raw materials suppliers and to satisfy the ethical concerns of Snedeker as a furniture designer is shown in her collections of sustainable woods, metals and stone. Responsible purchasing from small artisans as well as members of the sustainable Furnishing Council membership is the means by which The Arrangement sets itself apart from the illegal unsustainable logging and forest destruction. The amazing number of 33% of the total sales are upholstery products which are made in the USA.
The wood frames for upholstery chairs and sofas from our largest suppliers have certification of managed forestry woods. The wood primarily used for the structural frames is oak, given the longevity of any given piece is 20 to 50 years which qualifies the furniture for “green” “sustainable” status. The Arrangement has a commitment to certified wood usage and purchasing it when available in our style.
When tracking the total ratio of reclaimed, recycled, sustainable materials and the use of SFC member products in 2010, we were at 52% success rate. Today with continuing education of sustainably-sourced product provided to our team, they are aware of the sustainable sourcing from purchasing to sales. Our goal has been achieved by reaching closer to 87% sustainable, eco-friendly sourcing.
Katherine Snedeker is a certified SFC GreenLeader helping to advance the policies of conservation of resources, and mindful of implementing “green” practices at work and in client’s homes.
The Arrangement is happy to report more than 35% of wood purchased or sold is certified under the FSC certification system2 and/or acceptable plantation wood.
Some of our vendors have a re-forestation program to actively put back by planting trees where the timber is sourced from. The Arrangement seeks to publicly report on progress made towards responsible sourcing goals via emails. The Arrangement posts quantitative responsible sourcing goals/targets on the website.
Due to the longevity of our products, we make every attempt to refurbish, recover and renew our products with our existing clients to keep furniture out of the landfills. We have extended a fact sheet to consign furniture locally as well as donate to local charity furniture banks to extend the life of our products and keep them in circulation and out of the landfills.
Check out our sustainable pieces for sale on our website: FSC wood certified as well as reclaimed, vintage, recycled woods.
1Sustainable Furnishing Council
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“Sustainable” or “environmentally-safe” or “eco-friendly” furnishings are made and distributed in ways that protect our planet. SFC members take immediate steps to minimize carbon emissions, waste stream pollutants, un-recyclable content and primary materials from unsustainable sources from any product platform under their control. We are proud to recommend these companies to you during your search for healthy, pro-planet furnishings.
2Sustainable Forest Certification
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Sustainable Forest Certification is to help consumers recognize verified sustainable forest management by labeling forests and the wood products from those forests as being certified. The FSC label provides assurance of legal, sustainable forest practices. It provides added assurance that a forest company is operating legally, sustainably and in compliance with world-recognized standards for sustainable forest management. Choosing FSC Certified wood and paper products means it comes from sustainably managed forests and helps to protect old growth forests – which is good for all of us!