Sustainable

​Sustainability is a core business tenet at Lambkin Studios. One dictionary definition of sustainability is: the rate of renewable resource harvest, pollution creation, and non-renewable resource depletion that can be continued indefinitely. We are very aware that building furniture consumes natural resources. Working in a manner that ensures minimal consumption as well as minimal pollution creation is part of the environmental stewardship ethic we practice. We believe it’s the right way to do business.
 
Wood materials that we use in our furniture are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or other like-minded organizations to ensure they’ve been sustainably harvested. FSC’s certification program follows the chain of custody from the land to the lumber yard. To establish this chain of custody, FSC has partnered with organizations around the globe to verify that all wood products bearing an FSC label are harvested from forests and woodlands that are managed in an environmentally sound way. The certification process also ensures that the forests provide benefits to their local communities. The process offers a way for local communities to have a say in how their resources are managed.  
 
Environmentally friendly products are not only beneficial for the planet, they’re often beneficial for humans as well. For example, we use water-based finishes, not just because they’re more environmentally friendly than oil-based finishes from a disposal standpoint but, because water-based finishes also have lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than oil-based finishes.
 
Have you ever realized that you just walked into a freshly painted room based solely on the fact that you can still smell the paint fumes in the air? Part of what you’re smelling are the VOCs. They act as irritants to sensitive organs such as eyes and noses. Long-term exposure in confined spaces (e.g., indoors) can result in adverse health consequences. Low VOC content means that the product off-gasses (i.e., completes the process of releasing VOCs into the air) within a matter of days vs. months. This is why we used water-based finishes on our furniture and cabinets.
 
Do water-based finishes cost more? Yes, they do. Do environmentally sustainable wood products cost more? Often, they do. But, we believe the investment is worthwhile for the long-term health of our clients and our earthly home. To learn more about the importance of forest sustainability, visit the FSC’s page on Why Forests Matter. 

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