Sunday, December 20, 2009

Solstice Sellabration;

We have turned the corner-the days will finally start to get longer. As you ponder these long NW winter evenings think about the quality of your sleep. And speaking of quality sleep, organic quality sleep, we now have a huge selection of organic sleeping pillows. Cotton, wool, buckwheat, kapok, shredded rubber, and molded rubber pillows - we can provide you with the right fill and the right pillow loft to help you create sweet dreams. Now through January 4th take 10% off any sleeping pillow. Also during the the Solstice Sellabration get $250 in free sleep accessories with the purchase of any full size or larger mattress.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Eco gifts for the holidays

Gift shopping is not everyone's favorite thing especially when budgets are tight and recipients are, well, special. Buying a gift that someone will actually use is usually the goal-an elusive one at that. Knowing the materials and craft behind your purchase gives meaning to your gift. Buying from a local independent business means your money stays in the community. Buying locally made goods can double your community spirit. Local can mean your neighborhood or surrounding geographic area. This holiday season think about your purchases not as just gifts for friends or relatives, but also as gifts to your community.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

New Organic Mattress offering from OMI

OMI our premier organic mattress supplier has just introduced the new Sierra Mattress. "The OrganicPedic® Sierra mattress is a two-sided, 8-inch
mattress. It’s old-world design is hand-tufted to create a
uniquely conforming organic sleep system. Built from 100%
pure virgin Natural Rubber Talalay Latex, the Sierra is encased
in our signature OrganicPedic® wool and cotton fully-quilted
cover." AND besides its comfort the Queen Sierra mattress is only $1595. Stop by the store to see all of the latest organic mattresses as well as organic furnishings.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Green on Main Street

Sustainable furnishings are finally getting their due. Here is a recent article from the New York Times.




August 17, 2009
How to Save the Planet With Your Home Decor

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 12:36 p.m. ET

Once a laggard in the green scene, the $8.3 billion furniture industry is catching up.

From individual furniture makers to national retailers, green furnishing options are popping up in many stores and price ranges to appeal to eco-friendly consumers and conform to stricter environmental laws.

The Sustainable Furnishings Council, a nonprofit that promotes green practices in the furniture industry, has grown to over 300 members since it was created three years ago. And green trends were highlighted at the two largest furniture shows in High Point, N.C., and Las Vegas this year.

There's good reason: Half of U.S. consumers said they would pay 5 percent or more for green products, according to a recent survey from The Boston Consulting Group. And almost three-fourths of those surveyed said it's important for companies to have good environmental track records.

On top of that, Congress last year banned the import, export and sale of illegally harvested timber and wood, holding the furniture business accountable for its wood sourcing.

The U.S. is the world's largest importer of furniture products, said Linda Kramme, manager of the Global Forest & Trade Network, but there are no estimates showing how much furniture specifically is made from illegal wood. A recent Environmental Investigation Agency report estimated 10 percent of furniture, pulp and paper used in the U.S. are at high risk of coming from illegal sources -- an officially protected rain forest, for example.

''We, in the home furnishings industry, are shockingly responsible for illegal logging,'' said Susan Inglis, the executive director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

PROS: The No. 1 reason to buy green furniture is its healthier for the planet. But it may also be healthier for you. Many green furniture pieces are treated with natural, nontoxic finishes, sealants, stains and paints that won't emit harmful chemicals into the air you breathe.

Some eco-conscious companies are also socially conscious, including Harden Furniture and Lee Industries. So the furniture you buy might be made in a developing country, but the employees work for fair wages and in safe conditions.

CONS: The selection of green furniture isn't as wide as standard pieces, especially at lower prices, but that's changing. Also, buying green furniture and getting rid of your old stuff creates more waste.

COSTS: If you're used to decorating with ready-to-assemble furniture, expect to pay more for green designs, in general. However, national retailers like Williams-Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, West Elm or Crate & Barrel offer eco-friendly furniture for the same price as their standard lines.

Higher-end green lines, like those found in ABC Carpet & Home, will also run about the same as standard upscale options.

''There is a little bit of a premium if you want to do everything to the highest level,'' says Annette Stelmack, an interior designer in Denver.

Price tags on the unique, artisan pieces can easily run from the thousands to the tens of thousands of dollars.

TIPS: Buy furniture made of wood that comes from forests that are harvested to reduce the negative impacts of logging and to encourage forest growth. Consider furniture made of wood from salvaged sources such as old barns, factories or warehouses.

Look for certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council, Tropical Trust Fund, American Tree Farm System, Canadian Standards Association-Sustainable Forest Management, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. These organizations monitor how wood is grown, logged and transported.

Furniture maker Cliff Spencer in Marina del Ray, Calif., designs pieces using White Oak staves from Napa Valley wineries. The staves are dipped into the wine while it's fermenting to imbue with flavor. The wood is stained by the grapes, creating rich colors.

Kerrie Kelly, an interior designer out of Gold River, Calif., just launched a green line featuring furniture made from teak wood reclaimed from old bridges in India.

Consumers should also consider buying furniture made from recycled or organic materials. Look for sofas made from recycled polyester or coffee tables created out of recycled metal. Or, choose a chair with wool or soy-based upholstery fillings.

Buy local. Pieces that are transported over long distances add to energy consumption and air pollution.

Take care of the furniture you have. Cheap and easy-to-assemble furniture is easily thrown away, creating more waste. Buying second-hand and antique furniture or accepting hand-me-downs are ways to save the planet and keep furniture from ending up in landfills.

You can find a green manufacturer, retailer or interior designer near you on the Sustainable Furnishings Council's Web site at www.sustainablefurnishings.org.


Copyright 2009 The Associated Press

Sunday, May 31, 2009

ECO Airstream


This is your chance to see a micro example of sustainable living. John Byfield and Kate Heber have put their green building skills to task on a vintage Airstream. Make sure that you stop by the store this Sunday June 7th from 11-3. We will have lots of in stock specials too!!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Better Living Show



March 27 -29 is the Better Living show at the Portland Expo Hall in North Portland. We will have a booth with the best organic mattress available Organicpedic, as well as indoor and outdoor furniture in the Energy Trust Home located in the center of the show. Look for our booth just east of the Energy Trust Home.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

FSC certified outdoor furniture


We have just received some beautiful 100% FSC certified outdoor furniture. These pieces made from Brazilian cherry wood are perfect for your small deck or outdoor eating area. To see the entire collection available go to www.sealaskanaturalliving.com. They are stocked in California so if we do not have your choice in stock we can get it quickly.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Everything Green Oregon


This weekend February 14th and 15th is the Everything Green Oregon show at the Convention Center in downtown Portland. We will be displaying a natural bedroom featuring our newest vendor Rocky Butte. Rocky Butte is a Portland company which has just rolled out their new bamboo bedroom furniture line. Locally made with all FSC certified material and non toxic finishes AND affordable this is a perfect component for your organic bedroom. Stop by the show to see our display and take advantage of Show Specials good till the end of February.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Organic Upholstery

The upholstery category has been slow for our store since the fall. It is understandable in these times that customers would delay large purchases such as upholstered chairs and sofas. But we have seen renewed interest in our organic offerings along with many questions about the components of an organic sofa. And questions always arise about pricing for these items. The starting price for a truly organic sofa is about $4295. A truly organic sofa has all natural ingredients, no "soy foam" or a regular sofa with a hemp fabric but a sofa which has natural cushions (usually natural latex) and an organic fabric along with a frame that is not treated with toxic finishes. We are working with our partners at Zola to come up with the most comfortable, well designed and cost effective organic solution. We hope to design, build and have available a family sofa that everyone can feel good about and breathe easier while you relax and play on it. Stay turned!