Carolina Rustica is absolutely committed to doing its part in being a good steward of the earth. We have several initiatives in place to make sure we reduce waste, re-use wherever possible, and recycle our disposables. These initiatives are in place as a matter of daily practice. We do not believe in touting our Green credentials as marketing objective, but we do want you to know that our company is striving to do its part in reducing overall consumption.

Reduce:
We have reduced our consumption of petroleum-based packaging by recently switching to a recycled paper filler. This is also more efficient, allowing us to use smaller amounts of filler for packaging since it absorbs shock better. We also reduce our consumption of oil resources by using a smaller delivery truck (one that does not have our name on it) for local deliveries whenever possible. Lastly, we have reduced our energy use by installing low-wattage bulbs (25 watts) for the lighting in our showroom. These low-wattage incandescent bulbs do not consume as much energy as many of the compact flourescent lights (CFL's) used right now. For brighter applications, however, we use CFL's if possible

Re-Use:
If you have ordered from Carolina Rustica lately, you may have received your order in a box that does not have our logo on it. Perhaps it is a box that looks like its been shipped before? In fact, it has! We are re-using our suppliers' boxes and packaging when possible, to reduce our total consumption of packaging materials. Products shipped in re-used boxes will have a large sticker on the outside with our logo on it (see at left) stating that the box is being re-used. Even the labels for these statements are re-used from old UPS labels! You may also notice the shipping material inside is a mixture of packing materials. Again, we have re-used these from suppliers' shipments to us. In no case, however, will we ship anything to you in a box that has lost its integrity and is not suitable for the rigors of UPS or FedEx shipping

Recycle:
We have 2 recycling programs in place with the City of Concord and Cabarrus County. We recycle office paper (never customer information!) such as old catalogs through the city recycling program. We recycle all of our non-reusable cardboard through a county program. Cans and bottles are recycled through employees' individual efforts.

The second component of our Green endeavors involves our own suppliers. We are quick to recognize those suppliers that make a concerted effort to manage environmental manners as an integral part of their business. These companies have policies in place to ensure the environmental integrity of their manufacturing processes. They share our business culture of a deep respect for the fragility of our environment and the limited nature of the resources that we all consume. Some of these outstanding partners are John Boos, Hubbardton Forge, Wesley Allen, Palecek, Johnston Casuals and Epicurean.

John Boos is one of the most environmentally-sensitive wood manufacturers we know of. They have a detailed environmental statement that specifies how environmental considerations direct each part of their manufacturing process, from air quality to use of renewable wood resources to an in-depth recycling program that uses 95% of their production waste in recycling or alternative uses. These practices are mandatory, self-imposed, and reflect a true concern for environmental air, water, and resource quality. Click here to shop all John Boos Cutting Boards and Butcher Blocks

Hubbardton Forge blends the time honored traditions of forging and the best applications of modern technology. The award winning, environmentally sound finishing systems provide the quality and efficiencies that allow Hubbardton Forge to spend time doing what they do best - designing and hand forging their products. Click here to shop all Hubbardton Forge

Wesley Allen is an "environmentally conscious" company. Wesley Allen believes their efforts to make the world's finest iron beds, it's equally important to respect and preserve natural resources. In addition to using only environmentally friendly finishes and processes, their manufacturing facility in Los Angeles utilizes one of the largest solar energy systems in Southern California. Wesley Allen is proud of the efforts they have made and the resources they have saved. Click here to shop all Wesley Allen

Palecek has been concerned with issues of conservation throughout its 30 years in business. "Organic sustainable natural materials are very strong style elements right now, but we have always recongnized the importance of conservation" says Allan Palecek, "Our designs have always relied on quickly renewable resources like rattan and plantation-grown woods that do not deplete forests. And, while conservation is vital, giving back is just as important." That's why Palecek is a major contributor to the reforestation project in the Philippines, which is in the process of planting more than a million trees. Click here to shop all Palecek Johnston Casuals, takes great care to protect the environment and produce a beautiful and eco-friendly product. Their sheet steel is recycled and any scrap metals are sent to be reclaimed. Their powdercoating produces less waste, is less toxic than lacquer and no contaminates are released from this finishing process. Johnston Casuals' re-claim powder on large jobs and any excess is EPA suitable for landfills. The wash tanks are reprocessed into drinking water and carton receipts are picked up by carton processors. After years of use, the furniture can be returned to the factory and refinished for our customers thus giving it a longer life. Being made and shipped in the USA means less carbon emissions than imports. Johnston Casuals continues to explore new ways to protect and respect the environment while producing contemporary designs that are both innovative and consumer friendly. Click here to shop all Johnston Casuals

Epicurean Cutting Boards, or technically, Epicurean Cutting Surfaces, truly understands the relationship between the products they manufacture and the environment in which they operate. They company is dedicated to making long-lasting products that are manufactured with sustainable manufacturing processes and made from sustainable materials. The raw materials used in Epicurean Cutting Boards is derived from renewable and recycled resources, and cutting surface waste material generated in production is used as a fuel source at a local power plant. The company has received Greenguard Certification as well, which is an industry-independent third party testing program to certify low emissions in the manufacturing process. Click here to shop all Epicurean Cutting Boards