Article Number : 3832 |
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| Date | 11/6/2008 8:29:44 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3832 |
| Abstract | By Joannie Liu, Vice president of operations, Max Windsor Floors There was a time, in the not too far distant past, when a derogatory appellation for someone who was passionate about the environment was “tree hugger.” How far we have all come in so few years... |
| Article | By Joannie Liu, Vice president of operations, Max Windsor Floors There was a time, in the not too far distant past, when a derogatory appellation for someone who was passionate about the environment was “tree hugger.” How far we have all come in so few years. Now, a person with disregard for the virtues of conservation and Earth-friendly practices is viewed as a pariah. As a growing number of people tune into the things we can do to stop the desecration of our world, commercial opportunities have opened. Sensitivity to environmental concerns has become good business and is fast-approaching the status of big business. As we watch the current election sparring, it is hard to have an hour pass without hearing references to global warming, energy crisis and save our planet. One candidate seeks to outdo the other in his promises to stop reliance on foreign oil and promote alternative energy sources. Pretty impressive, but guess what? The flooring industry has been on an energy-saving, planet-saving campaign for years, recycling old carpet into new, emptying dump sites, ridding its vast variety of products of harmful chemicals, developing nonpetroleum energy sources, and creating new resilient and carpet products of an earth-friendly nature. Flooring is one of America’s most advanced industries as that relates to the environment. It seems each initiative manufacturers have taken has seen a payback. These initiatives not only save money, but also open new marketing avenues. Distributors and retailers have joined the effort to make our industry’s products and practices green. Many manufacturers have long recognized the benefits of green, if not as yet on a major scale among consumers, then, certainly, in its attractiveness to the architect/specifier/commercial contractor community. The consumer will not be left far behind. There are definite signs of growing demand by homeowners for products that are greener, safer and more politically correct. Education of the consumer toward the immediate and longer-term benefits of green are a shared responsibility by manufacturer, distributor and retailer alike. Better and safer products add luster to the image of our industry and inspire consumers to buy. There is a role here for each of us to play in this progressive industry. It is helpful to the planet, it will allow us a better night’s sleep, and it’s great job security. |