|
|
 |
INTRO
My name is Bartos Bilicki and I work in the hardwood floor industry for TBM Hardwood Floors as a project manager / sales representative. Before starting this eco-gift project for Tanya and Brock, I must admit that I did not give much thought to the link between the environment and my work. I did not pay attention to environmental regulations, or how various wood manufacturers managed natural resources. However, over the last few weeks, as a result of extensive research, I can now safely say that this project has really opened up my eyes to how my actions can truly make an impact. I have learned that in many forests around the world, logging companies and wood manufacturers still contribute to habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of indigenous people, and violence against people who work in the forest and the wildlife that dwells there. However, on a positive note, there is a growing movement towards environmental protection. I believe that all of these negative impacts can be removed and forests can be managed and protected for the future. |
 |
WHAT I DID – WOOD MANUFACTURERS
In my work projects I dealt strictly with suppliers that placed the environment at the top of their priority list. If a company did not show any concern for the environment, I did not work with them.
Here are the 3 industry leaders that I worked with on a regular basis:
- Lauzon: All Lauzon products are manufactured according to the strictest environmental guidelines so that forests have a sustainable future. To minimize waste, Lauzon recycles saw dust, chips and particles into reusable energy and world-renowned wood pellets for the wood stove industry.
- Mirage: Here is a quote from the company website that perfectly summarizes Mirage’s commitment to the environment – “Like you, Mirage cares about the environment and its resources. To protect these riches, we have adopted an environmentally friendly philosophy backed by a multitude of everyday actions. Respectful handling of nature’s suppliers. Innovative methods for systematic recovery of waste materials. Use of nontoxic components in products. Steadfast support for reforestation. As we seek a healthy future, Mirage quality stands as a symbol of the search for balance and a better quality of life.”
- Kahrs: This Swedish company believes that the environment is “a heritage worth looking after”. Kahrs has a policy of planting a new tree for each one that is cut down. Here is a quote from the company’s catalogue – “The majority of the timber we process into beautiful wood floors comes from sustainable Swedish forests. All trees are felled selectively, which is a traditional, prudent and ecological method. For each tree used, new trees are planted, guaranteeing that there will be new forests for future generations”.
These three companies also work with various environmental associations. One of them is the International Tropical Timber Association. This is an intergovernmental organization promoting the conservation and sustainable management, use and trade of tropical forest resources. Another organization is the Forest Stewardship Council. As a result of my encouragement, TBM Hardwood Floors filled out an application to become a member of this organization. This group provides certification for wood manufacturers to make sure that they follow specific environmental regulations in relation to their logging practices. The focus is mainly on properly managed forestry projects, which provide sustainable sources of lumber and livelihood.
* In addition to working with these companies, I also promoted cork flooring whenever I went to visit with potential customers. Cork flooring is very environmentally-friendly, because it is extracted from the bark of the tree which simply re-grows. |
WHAT I DID – REFINISHING
Another aspect of my eco-gift relates to the process of refinishing hardwood floors. Most of the finishes that are used in the flooring industry contain various chemicals and toxins. One of the most chemical finishes is Glitza. This substance is so harmful that after it is applied people cannot be in the home and things such as food and plants have to be removed as well. Recent studies have also linked Glitza to cancer. |
However, more and more companies are developing water-based finishes. On all of my recent projects I have only used these types of finishing materials. Whenever I visited a customer for an estimate, I made a point of emphasizing water-based finishes and that these finishes are just as effective as oil-based ones.
The two companies that I work with are:
- Basic – This company offers the Street Shoe finish. This is a premium water-based finish for commercial, residential and sports hardwood floors.
- Bona Kemi: This company features “The Environmental Choice” seal, which is a symbol of Bona’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Their waterborne finishes are VOC compliant and nonflammable. The primary difference between waterborne and solvent-based finishes is that water, not toxic solvents, is the polyurethane carrier, providing a healthier environment for the contractor and improved indoor air quality.
In addition, TBM Hardwood Floors has recently purchased the ProSand DCS Dust Containment System. This is a sanding machine that effectively contains all of the dust on the job site. I try to use this system on all of my projects. |
|
|
|
|
