 One Uptown business is being recognized for its efforts toward a more sustainable environment. Last year, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) launched the Wood Furniture Scorecard, which serves as a comprehensive assessment of publicly available information on virgin wood sourcing policies for the largest furniture retailers in North America. It also evaluates company use of recycled and reclaimed wood. 2018 was the inaugural year, with seven top scorers including ABC Carpet & Home, Williams-Sonoma Group, IKEA, Crate & Barrel, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, City Furniture, and Target. In 2019, all members companies of the SFC big and small were notified by the SFC that their businesses would be evaluated. Uptown’s own Green Haven Living is a top scoring company in 2019 and will be recognized in August. “When it comes to sustainability, we can't just talk about it -- we have to find ways to live it,” said Angie Scheu, owner and manager of Green Haven Living. “We are always looking for unique, clever products utilizing alternative, natural or vintage materials, otherwise those that are repurposed, reclaimed and recycled.” The Wood Furniture Scorecard was developed to promote sustainable forest management given that the furniture industry may be using, knowingly or unknowingly, illegally logged and otherwise unsustainably-produced wood within complex supply chains. This is alarming, as the furnishings industry ranks as the third largest consumer of wood after construction and paper products. Deforestation and poor forest management are threats to wildlife species throughout the world as well as to clean water and climate security. 86% of furniture consumers described themselves as “very concerned” about global deforestation in a recent survey by SFC. Green Haven Living’s sourcing is conducted in a way that combats deforestation. A strict wood sourcing policy that sets standards for selecting all of its furniture, decor and artwork for sale in its showroom has allowed Green Haven Living to avoid illegally harvested timber or timber that is otherwise harvested in an unethical way. “I'm really proud of this recognition,” Scheu added. “It's validating the work and the goals that Green Haven Living has set out to accomplish." “We are honored to celebrate this recognition with Green Haven Living,” said Lynn Aventino, executive director of Uptown Westerville Inc. “Uptown is home to so many businesses that are committed to doing right for their communities and the environment.” To learn more about this recognition, please click here. 
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