The choices we make - from materials to energy efficiency - add up to create healthier, greener buildings. And heading into 2024, it’s clear we need to put sustainability at the forefront more than ever before.

A core strategy employed by Whole Forest involves transforming the economic dynamics of local communities. Members of these communities, now employed by Whole Forest, experience improved financial prospects, eliminating the need to exploit their forestland for livelihoods. This shift not only protects the rainforest but also addresses the root causes of deforestation. The furniture and wood products crafted by Whole Forest carry the carbon value of the preserved rainforest, rendering them truly carbon-negative.

Established in 2008, Whole Forest is actively pulling threatened forests out of the pathway to deforestation by creating a strong economic incentive for forest families to preserve their forests as an economic asset. “We do that by creating many local jobs in forestry, manufacturing and business administration,” [Peter Pinchot] says. Before, local foresters made $3 a day, now they made 10 times that by working with the Whole Forest projects.

Reforming supply chains is one of the most important things that we can do to address environmental challenges. Raising consumer consciousness about the environment will move businesses in the right direction.