Good news, everyone! We got a fabulous shout out from one of our favorite publications, Treehugger! Treehugger describes itself as “the only modern sustainability site that offers advice, clarity, and inspiration for both the eco-savvy and the green-living novice.” They’re an award-winning website with millions of dedicated monthly eco-conscious users. This year they’ve been rolling out awards for the best green products and services on the market. From cleaning and pet supplies to tech and travel, they’ve made some great lists that we highly recommend checking out. One of which is a great round up of Green Decor, and we happened to make the list!
We are honored to be recognized in Treehugger’s Best of Green Decor 2021 list for our Hurdle Barstool!
Hurdle Counter stools. Image by Madeline Tolle Photography
You might be wondering what went into this decision, and lucky for you, Treehugger made this handy bulleted list. For a product to make the cut for the green award it is vetted based on these criteria:
- They are well-made and durable.
- They are made with eco-friendly, non-toxic materials.
- They are made in a way that parts can be separated for recycling; can be upcycled; can be returned to the manufacturer at the end of their useful life.
- They are made using fair labor.
- Their manufacture is non-polluting and resource-efficient.
- They are packaged and shipped conscientiously.
- They are from a company that has stated climate and/or sustainability goals.
- To help us spotlight the winners, we assembled a panel of experts to test and/or comment on the products.
That’s a long list, but the Hurdle Barstool made the cut!
The Hurdle Barstool was designed by the Australian design duo Dowel Jones, who then allowed us to produce and sell the product in the United States. This cuts down on those shipping emissions big time since you don't need to import them all the way from Australia. Described by Treehugger as boasting a “high-quality modern aesthetic that is built to last, both in terms of utility and style,” the Hurdle is made right here in our Grand Rapids Facility, so we also can have control over quality and shipping.
Materials are also sourced locally. Wood is sustainably harvested from American forests and our steel is from the United States. Plus, everything is made to order, so there’s less waste, and when it comes to durability, our products have a structural warranty so you know that they will last. Later in their lifetime, the parts can be recycled or upcycled with ease.
The Hurdle Barstool is just one piece in a bigger collection of Hurdle chairs and stools. You can see many of them in the picture below, but we also make the Full Hurdle, which features a plywood shell, bent to form a back. The shell can also be fully upholstered.
The Hurdle Collection: Hurdle Stool, Hurdle Barstool, Half Hurdle Chair
When it comes to design, we’re not just thinking about today, we’re thinking way into the future. We’re proud that sustainability and reuse are a part of our mission at Grand Rapids Chair Company. Ultimately, anything companies can do to be sustainable and environmentally friendly will benefit everyone in the long run. Thank you to Treehugger for putting the Hurdle Barstool on your Best of Green Decor 2021 list! We hope to make even more green furniture in the future, so stay tuned for updates.
If you like this blog, you might also be interested in this blog about the Bowen Table's sustainable top surface material made from upcycled rice hulls!