By: Keith Joyce
VP Operations – Bowen Town & Country Furniture
kjoyce@bowenfurniture.com
You’d have to be a complete recluse to be unaware of the environmental movement that has taken hold around the world. Recycled, renewable, green…these are today’s watchwords. We all have a responsibility to use our natural resources wisely and preserve them for generations to come.
American furniture companies are very conscious of the need for sound environmental practices in manufacturing. Many have programs in place to replant the trees that are harvested for lumber and all follow strict laws enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, according to a recent study by Duke University, complying with U.S. environmental regulations can amount to more than 25% of a factory’s operating costs. To support “going green” come to Bowen Town & Country Furniture in Winston-Salem for the best selection of environmentally friendly furniture.
Environmental regulations are one reason that some manufacturers have moved their production lines to China. The Chinese government has very few restrictions on pollution from factories. Methods of production there often include the use of toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde. Unfortunately, the lack of regulation leads to reduced costs of production. To that you can add another factor; according to Duke University’s study in 2006, American furniture workers averaged earning $14.24 per hour. Their Chinese counterparts earned 69 CENTS per hour and often worked in conditions so dangerous as to be illegal in the U.S.
It comes down to this…if “green” is important to you and your family, you don’t want to buy Chinese furniture. You’ll pay a little more for all-American products, but remember that part of that slightly higher price is going toward environmental measures that benefit the American worker and consumer for generations to come.
At Bowen Town & Country Furniture in Winston-Salem, NC we are proud to carry American made furniture manufacturers who place great emphasis on the “green” aspects of their production and the environment.
Browse our furniture by manufacturer!
- Visit BowenFurniture.com!
- Subscribe to our Email Newsletter!
- Become a Fan on Facebook!
- Follow Us on Twitter!
- View Us on YouTube!
