As I write this post, we’re hurtling headlong into the holiday season, which brings the inevitable Christmas tree debate: Which is better, real or fake? There are valid arguments on both sides, I suppose, but one of the arguments often touted by the artificial tree contingent is that using an artificial tree is better for the environment because it saves real trees. As part of their “Go Green, Get Real” information campaign, the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association begs to differ, and, frankly, at University Loft, we agree with their perspective. Just like Christmas tree growers who plant, harvest and replant trees, the solid wood used in University Loft student furniture is part of a continual reforestation program.
Here’s how it works: We plant Hevea Brasiliensis (HB) trees, a type of Environmentally Farmed Timber, or EFT. Several things make HB trees a great choice for green student furniture. For starters, they are stronger than Northern Red Oak, and have a very attractive, oak-like grain when milled for student housing furniture.
Beyond that, however, the HB trees used by University Loft in our college furniture manufacturing are environmentally friendly in two significant ways: 1) They are fast-growing – meaning they can be grown, harvested and replanted in about one-third the time of Northern Red Oak — and 2) HB trees produce a type of rubber used in the production of latex; this sap product can be tapped and collected from HB trees during their growth cycle.
The use of EFT in University Loft’s solid wood student furniture is part of our Green Plan because we believe that being green is always in season. So whether you use a real tree or artificial tree for the holidays, we invite you to go green and get real with the green student furniture from University Loft!
Bob
The ULoft Blog Team
About University Loft Company and our solid wood modular residence life furniture:
Since 1984, when James Jannetides built a loft configuration for his own dorm room at Southern Illinois University, hundreds of thousands of college students have enjoyed better campus living thanks to University Loft furniture. Today, University Loft serves more than 1,200 colleges, universities and related student housing partners. As Jannetides’ says: “We are always learning, always innovating, and always improving … our environment, our products, and our service. We are University Loft Company.”