Frequently Asked Sustainability Questions
WHAT IS naturalLEE?
Having established ourselves as a leader in eco-friendly manufacturing, we knew that offering naturalLEE was the right thing to do. naturalLEE offers soy-based renewable seat cushions with 30% soybean oil, reducing the amount of petroleum based products. Our back and throw pillows are filled with 100% recycled fibers made from clear and white plastic bottles. The seat deck and trim pads are made up of 80% regenerated fibers. Our arm padding is made with soy-based polyol. The finishes are all very low VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds). Wood for the frames used by LEE comes from certified sustainable forests and are bonded with a soy-based resin. Our springs are 80% recycled metal. Our offering of organic and natural fiber fabrics complete the product. Being earth-friendly comes without sacrifice. WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE?
Sustainable furniture definitely makes an impact on our environment. The higher the quality means that customers will keep their furniture for longer periods of time, rather than replacing it after a few years (which is what happens with lower quality pr oducts). At LEE, we manufacture long-lasting furniture made in the USA. The longevity of our furniture prevents it from being discarded in landfills, leaving a smaller environmental footprint on our earth. HOW DOES CHANGING TO ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS AFFECT THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT I AM BUYING?
The quality is the same as using conventional materials and in some cases, our responsible components are even better! Our soy-based seat cushions offer better comfort, consistency and durability than conventional seating packages. Our very low VOC finis hes reduce harmful chemicals, providing the same beautiful hues. The use of certified sustainable wood lets us track the chain of custody for each piece of wood in our frames and guarantees our unmatched performance. Our product gives you a better quality of life in your home. WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE FURNISHINGS COUNCIL?
Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) is a non-profit balanced coalition founded to support sustainable business practices in the home furnishings industry. LEE is a founding member of SFC with Gold Exemplary Status and board representation. sustainablef urnishings.orgHOW DO SOYBEANS MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
The soy-based BiOH™ polyol used in our cushions replace 30% of petroleum-based chemicals traditionally used to manufacture cushions. We have partnered with our suppliers who are creating healthy, renewable, soy-based solutions to improve your home environment, as well as conserving our Earth's nonrenewable resources. For every million pounds of petroleum-based polyols replaced with soy-based polyols, nearly 2,200 barrels of crude oil is saved. Not to mention, we are supporting our American farmers. CAN ONE MANUFACTURER MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Absolutely! As a manufacturer it is our duty to do our part. We want to meet the needs of the present, but don't want to compromise the future. This is why we incorporate environmentally-friendly processes, practices, and parts wherever possible. Also, w e are partnering with a national waste management company to distribute almost 100% of our raw materials for use in other products. We have also made an effort to move toward a paperless communication system, internal recycling efforts, and decreased energy use company wide. It is our goal to give back to the earth. LEE has donated over 142,515 trees to American Forests® to help conserve our natural resources. IS THIS JUST MARKETING OR A CORE VALUE?
At LEE, we believe it is a way of life. The development of naturalLEE has made us keenly aware of the impact we have on our environment. As we continue to grow as a company, we are looking at the future of our world and emphasize continuous improvements in our business policies. We hope our choices are influential and that others will follow these sustainable ethics. DOES YOUR FURNITURE CONTAIN FLAME RETARDANTS?
As of March 3, 2014, LEE Industries is 100% compliant to the new TB117-2013 flammability requirements. This legislation allows LEE to ship our FR FREE (Flame Retardant Free)cushions, foam, fabric & decking products throughout the country. All of our foa m products have been rigorously tested by CertiPUR-US and contain their seal of approval. This assures you that our products meet specific criteria for physical performance, indoor emissions, environmental stewardship and pose no health risk. Visit certipur.us for more information.
