GREEN
Huggy Bear's Cupboards is committed to providing natural products and processes that are earth friendly and environmentally responsible.
This picture on the left is of the forest on the western half of Hayden Island (where Huggy Bear's Cupboards is located). The cottonwood-ash forest is one of the largest intact stands left on the lower Columbia River.
Sustainable Hardwoods
Domestic
Even though most hardwoods in the US are not FSC certified they are increasing in volume much faster than they are being used so they are sustainably grown.
According to the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, Hardwoods in the US are growing 70 percent faster than they are being harvested. The volume of hardwoods in American forests today is 90 percent more than is was 50 years ago.
Imported
Lyptus
This loft kitchen in Portland is made with Lyptus, a sustainably grown hybrid eucalyptus tree.
Bamboo
Bamboo is as hard as oak and can be reharvested in three to five years.
Cabinet Interior
We offer a formaldahyde-free white MDL interior. As plywood manufacturers offer more formaldehyde-free products we will add them to our list of materials.
Finishes
A water based finish with no HAPS (hazardous air pollutants), very low in VOC (volatile organic compounds) and no formaldehyde is available. Our current finish has no HAPS, 4.3 lb/gal of VOC’s, and a trace of formaldahyde.
KCMA
We are currently in the process of obtaining KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program certification.
Processes
In 2007 we cut our volatile waste 43 percent by distilling and recycling the dregs from our paint room.
