SUSTAINABILTY
Jill Salisbury, founder and chief designer of el:Environmental Language, constantly applies nature's wisdom into the design of her furniture. Her innovative approach balances high style with eco-friendly solutions that meet with the most stringent environmental and performance standards available. The integrity of el is assured through its promise of heirloom quality craftsmanship. The result is an eco-chic interpretation that celebrates the materials as well as the design.
WOOD
All external wood parts used in the manufacturing of el furniture are of the highest grade, sustainably harvested wood and veneers unless otherwise specified. These, like all natural materials, are subject to variation in grain and coloration.
Typical wood products:
* Locally reclaimed
* Sustainably harvested woods
* FSC Certified
Standard wood types:
* Walnut
* Rift cut Oak
* Cherry
Specialty Wood:
* Bamboo
o A readily renewable resource - grows back within 5 years.
Structural woods:
* Maple
* Poplar
FSC Certified MDF with no added formaldehyde:
* Tagua Nut
o Mimics ivory
o Originates in Ecuador
o Nut is too hard to eat
FINISHES
el’s natural, non-toxic finishes have been developed to be comparable with finishes in today’s market. Finish specifications must be shown on each order.
NOTES:
1. Finished pieces may vary in tone and character. No guarantee can be made of an exact match.
2. The degree of sheen on finishes will vary with product category.
Standard Finish
* Natural Lacquer
o Derived from tree sap
o Natural and non-toxic
o Extremely durable
Standard Finish options:
* Dark Ebony
* Ebony wash
* Clear coat
Stone:
* By-product from local kitchen countertop fabricator
* el uses their remnants that would otherwise be considered waste
Metal Options:
* Stainless Steel with 75% recycled content
o Recyclable
UPHOLSTERY ORDERS
el constructs its upholstered furniture with natural latex, wrapped in organic wool batting, which is treated with chrysanthemum and therefore naturally fights off dust mites.
Typical upholstery materials:
* Natural Latex Foam
o A readily renewable resource
* Organic Wool Batting
o A readily renewable resource
o Treated with crysanthemum to prevent dust mites by 99.7%
o Naturally flame resistant
* Wool barrier cloth - Naturally flame resistant
o A readily renewable resource
* Jute webbing
* Steel springs where applicable
* PVA glue - non-toxic
Wool is also naturally flame resistant. El relies in the inherent qualities of these natural materials rather than treating our product with chemicals that mimic the same results.
