At World Interiors, creating sustainable furniture is a big part of the future we strive for everyday. In an industry that is infamous for its exploitation of forests around the world, we decided to choose a different path. Our mission is simple: create eco-friendly furniture for a better and sustainable future.

Throughout the years, we have taken steps to creating a better and greener world. We aim to be "green" not only in the processes and materials we use in our production, but also in the way we give back to the environment. Below are some of the ways in which we have prioritized sustainability, safety, and quality at World Interiors.

BUILDING FURNITURE - THE RIGHT WAY

SUSTAINABLY-SOURCED MATERIALS

The most-used materials in our furniture collections are sustainably-sourced Mango wood, Acacia wood, and reclaimed Teak wood. While the majority of our wood is plantation-grown, we also recycle old-growth wood. This ensures that resources that have taken centuries to mature are used to their full potential. 

In an effort to minimize our carbon footprint, we also make use of recycled cast iron, which has been evaluated to be just as strong as the alternative. This solution leads to significantly decreasing the release of toxic gases and contaminated water into aquifers - both of which are common byproducts of exploitative mining. 

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PROCESSES

As a company, we take pride in creating and abiding by a furniture building process that has a minimal negative effect on the environment. Using several waste reducing techniques for our sustainable furniture, such as plank construction, we are able to run a mindful and environmentally conscious practice. 

Likewise, we prioritize the comfort and safety of our clients. With this in mind, we have taken measures such as creating low-VOC finishing methods for our pieces. At every step of the way, we aim to make furniture that is aligned with our values. 

What Are VOCs and Why Are They Harmful?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that are used in the production of various different household items. When furniture containing these compounds is first exposed to air, they are released in a process called off-gassing. This process can be easy to spot through smell, though it continues way after the odor is gone from your new furniture. Possibly lasting from weeks to years, it is a steady release of gas that can expose homeowners to harmful, long-term side-effects. 

Volatile organic compounds are used in the likes of paints, sealants, stains, and fillers. They are used most often in composite furniture that relies on cheaper materials, rather than solid wood products. Possible side-effects include headaches, nausea, and fatigue, amongst many others. 

In reality, there isn't much you can do once VOCs have made their way into your home. The more effective, proactive approach to escaping the harmful consequences of these chemicals is to minimize exposure from the beginning. 

In order to address this issue within our own production, our solid wood furniture goes through a special, low-VOC, water-based finishing process. The end result is a high-quality, low-risk piece for your home. 

A Family-First Approach

Our commitment to both the safety and the quality of our products is also reflected in other aspects of our furniture. Our pieces are made for the family, and it is essential that our clients are kept in mind during the production process. 

Our products have passed the stability tests established by the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA). The voluntary standard set forth by the Alliance is designed to diminish the number of accidents caused by the tipping-over of furniture items. This is done through considerations that are included from the beginning of the furniture making process, in the design stage, as well as through the aforementioned stability tests. 

All of our furniture proudly abides by the standard, meaning it is tip-over compliant and safe to have around your entire family. 

GIVING BACK TO THE GLOBAL ECOSYSTEM

While it is clear that we believe in the call for sustainable furniture, we have also acknowledged the need for more direct action in the environment. In hopes of building a greener future for us all, we participate in and lead initiatives that aim to restore our depleted ecosystems. 

THE MANGO FOUNDATION

The Mango Foundation was founded in 2008. The proposal behind the organization is a straightforward one: a tree planted for every table sold. Within the span of three years, the non-profit has been able to successfully plant over one million trees around the world. 

As we mentioned, we find it necessary to recognize the negative impact that the global furniture industry has on the planet. We hope that, by contributing to this project, we are able to work towards counteracting that exploitation, making way for a more eco-friendly future. 

In addition to these benefits, this initiative also allows us to further reduce our carbon footprint. According to statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the total number of trees planted by The Mango Foundation will absorb a total of 240,000 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year when they mature.

Finally, the trees that we plant help restore ecosystems in central Texas and in India, ensuring thriving future growth. We're grateful for our non-profit partners TreeFolks and One Tree Planted for helping us continue to make a positive impact on the environment. 

As a company, we will work continuously towards more planted trees, as well as more sustainable materials and practices within our brand.

THE SUSTAINABLE FURNISHINGS COUNCIL

The mission of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) is an organization founded to help companies reduce their environmental footprints as they grow, and to help consumers find healthy furnishings.

In order to become a member of the SFC, companies have to meet a list of requirements, amongst them:

• Being energy efficient
• Using sustainably-sourced materials
• Sharing the Wealth
• Paying Living Wages
• Minimizing the Use of Toxic Chemicals