Cascade
This contemporary collection is inspired by the clean, Zen-like simplicity of nature. It is produced using natural materials and environmentally friendly methods. It has rustic walnut veneers in a clear, natural Aged Timber finish, with unique imperfections in the wood to emphasize its native state. Key style elements include woven natural fibers, organic shapes, and solid brass hardware in bronze tones.
Cascade and the Environment
Bernhardt Furniture is committed to doing its part to help ensure that our planet is environmentally safe, well and thriving for the generations to come. We put that commitment into practice every day by looking for specific ways to implement sound environmental practices in all aspects of our business including: reducing water and energy consumption; improving air quality and emissions; increasing the use of renewable, sustainable and recycled materials while decreasing overall solid waste; projecting a positive influence on our supply chain; and creating employee and community awareness and participation in environmental issues.
When all those efforts are united and focused, the result is a line of furniture that respects our environmental concerns, honors our desire for creative beauty, and addresses our need for practical, functional furnishings that connect us with family and the world around us. Elements of this collection, from the resourceful use of natural materials to the eco-friendly methods used to produce it, show that environmental stewardship is possible, attainable and artful.
Wood: The primary wood species used in this collection is rubber wood (hevea brasiliensis). Rubber wood tree plantations are used mainly for the production of latex. Once the tree reaches a mature age (approximately 30 years), the latex yields become extremely low and the trees are harvested for other uses like furniture, and new trees are planted. This process of replanting makes the rubber wood plantations extremely eco-friendly and sustainable for many years.
Veneers: The rustic walnut veneers used in this collection are sourced from reputable, sustainable suppliers (in the United States) that only purchase from log suppliers who support reforestation and selective harvesting, and who harvest legally. These suppliers provide an environmental statement that includes the procurement process for their raw materials. They also practice manufacturing technologies that produce the highest yields possible from the raw materials they purchase.
Finishes: The VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the finish system have been reduced by 47% over conventional nitrocellulose lacquer systems. By reducing VOCs, the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere during the production process is reduced.
Accent Materials: A variety of natural materials are used in this collection, such as (click image for closeup photo):
Hand Woven Fibers
Dark-colored natural fibers are hand woven together to create an organic accent to pieces in the collection.
Sea Urchin Shells
Sea urchin shells are used as a decorative accent in this collection. Sea urchin shells are usually discarded as a by product of the food industry.
Rubber Tree Leaves
Natural rubber tree leaves are transformed into translucent skeleton leaves through a special cleaning and drying process. The leaves are a renewable source harvested from rubberwood trees.
Coco Twigs
Coco twigs, derived from coconut shells, are applied to furniture surfaces in varying patterns to create a decorative accent. They are by products of coconut oil production and the trees are not destroyed during their harvesting.
Foam: The foam contains no measurable PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers). PBDEs are compounds added to synthetic foams and are slowly released and enter the environment through air, soil and water.
Packaging: All packaging is 100% recyclable. The corrugate materials (fluted cardboard carton and inner packing) are made from recycled materials with a post consumer content of 25%, and limited EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) pads or PE (polyethylene) foam wrap are used. The furniture packing is also designed to utilize the least volume for transport in order to minimize transportation energy resources.
Catalog Paper: In an effort to improve our environmental citizenship and to protect our natural resources, this catalog is printed entirely on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper. FSC certification ensures that the paper in this catalog contains fiber from well-managed and responsibly harvested forests that meet strict environmental standards. The inks used to print this catalog are vegetable and soy based inks.
Business Practices: We recognize that sound business practices are necessary to promote sustainability. That is why we are participating in the voluntary environmental management system, EFEC (Enhancing Furniture's Environmental Culture) developed by the American Home Furnishing Alliance. As an EFEC Certified company, we utilize a set of management tools and principles to integrate environmental concerns into our daily business practices.
Learn more about our company's environmental initiatives.