WMC to Highlight Sustainable Products
By Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 11/2/2007 7:30:00 AM
Las Vegas — World Market Center (WMC) Las Vegas and the Sustainable Furniture Council will partner on a series of retailer-focused seminars during the January 28–February 1, 2008 Las Vegas Market. The Brave New World Environmental Leadership Education Series calls for an “expression of interest” from retailers ready to take the lead in educating consumers, staff, suppliers and service providers about sustainable home furnishings. The events are designed to provide key information and proven strategies for effective change, with a focus on long term consumer and supplier education.
“If you are a retailer who is looking to transform your business into a more environmentally friendly model, then you know that credible, large scale education is the cornerstone of effective change,” said Margaret Casey, programming director for the WMC.
According to Mike Italiano, president and chief executive of the Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability, certified sustainable products can increase manufacturer and retailer profitability. “Recent figures show the sustainable products market is exploding with 20–75 percent long term annual grown in certified organic products, certified Green buildings and homes, FSC certified wood and certified sustainable products. … The Federal Trade Commission surveys show over 90 percent of consumers will buy sustainable product if the quality is as good as conventional,” Italiano added.
