While preparing for this edition of Furniture World I came across an article by Dimitar Vlahov. Mr. Vlahov, the Director of Content Development at Sustainable Brands wrote, “If there is one thing that brands and individuals have in common, it is that sooner or later their identity, character and internal dialogue are inevitably projected externally."
I suspect this is a chilling thought for a small minority of Furniture World readers and, a comfort for most. It should also be a call to action for industry brands that have not focused sufficiently on encoding corporate and personal responsibility throughout their organizations.
"Do no harm” is an obvious essential to avoid PR disasters, lawsuits and brand meltdown, but is doing good in the world a valid corporate imperative?
There are, surprisingly, differences of opinion. The good news is, whether you have a passion for saving the world or feel compelled to follow the money, there are strong reasons to embrace responsible and sustainable practices. Doing well by doing good are, long-term, synonymous.
There is a lot of information in this Furniture World issue, compliments of SFC's Susan Inglis and Giles Jackson, Ph.D., regarding changing attitudes toward sustainability. Sustainability, as Inglis points out, has become an umbrella term that includes climate change, healthy living, environmental safety, animal rights and social equity.
Research shows that among all demographic groups, but especially among Millennials, the desire to do business with companies who embrace an umbrella of sustainable causes is trending upward. Purpose-driven sales are on the rise, writes Jackson.
There are many take-aways, chief among them is, embracing issues such as sustainability and workplace harassment need to be structured so that everyone in an organization buys-in with enthusiasm. The results are better workplaces, better branding, better outcomes all around.
Best Wishes For a Sustainable Fall Season,
Russell Bienenstock
Editorial Director/CEO
russ@furninfo.com
Russell Bienenstock is Editor-in-Chief of Furniture World Magazine, founded 1870. Comments can be directed to him at editor@furninfo.com.