094 SHOPFRONT PROMOTION


FURNITURE Sustainable


Paul Salmon, owner of David Salmon Furnishers, discusses how your furniture choice impacts the environment


An oak tree from a French forest, farmed by a family for hundreds of years


Our Cross in Hand shop


We have sourced this beautiful oak table which is made locally from certifi ed Sussex oak


hen my


customers are looking for a new piece of furniture for their home, the list of criteria most


often includes things like comfort, style, fi nish, price and sometimes brand. It is natural to want our furniture to look and feel good, and at a price that fi ts within our budget. However, rarely a day goes by without


environmental concerns making the headlines. From 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg sailing across the Atlantic instead of fl ying, to the UK’s ambitious ‘net zero’ greenhouse gas emissions target, the environment is a hot topic! The obvious link to my industry – furniture – is not lost on me. I am disappointed to say that having spent many years building a reputation for our superior craftsmanship, hardly any cabinet furniture is now made in the UK. As the desire for cheaper products takes hold, a substantial percentage of furniture production is now based in the Far East. A considerable amount of the wood


supply to the Far East is from certifi ed US sources; the fact the supply is fully certifi ed is superb, however the carbon footprint of the end product – due to the considerable number of miles travelled – is signifi cant. The carbon footprint produced when wood is sourced from the USA, manufactured in China, before being shipped to the UK for sale, is simply enormous.


Cutting down our carbon footprint


In recent years I have made a concerted effort to do my bit. When sourcing suppliers, I have control over two very important aspects: supply of the raw product – wood – and the furniture’s carbon footprint. My commitment to this area means that all but one of my suppliers is based in the UK or Europe. By using these suppliers, I know that they must adhere to very strict regulations so I can be sure that the wood is from a sustainable, certifi ed source. All of the wood my suppliers use


comes from Europe, as it has travelled far fewer miles when it arrives in my shops – or my customer’s home – I can be sure it has a far smaller carbon footprint. We are all very aware of the origins of the food we eat and the economic ramifi cations of the clothes suppliers we choose, however the furniture industry seems to have so far avoided the spotlight. This is surprising considering trees are openly acknowledged as being a pivotal part in the health of our planet. Whether we realise it or not, some choices


are ‘greener’ than others when it comes to furniture. At David Salmon Furnishers we are dedicated to not only offering quality and original design but to selling sustainable furniture with provenance.


Pop into our stores at 116 South Street Eastbourne (01323 722921) and Wealden House, Cross In Hand (01435 863921) to browse our impressive selection of sustainable furniture, or visit davidsalmon.co.uk


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