Prioritizing Sustainability: A Look into SHOWFIELDS' Commitment to Conscious Consumption and Production
*Interview with Sharit Kassab, Head of Maker Studio at SHOWFIELDS
How does SHOWFIELDS prioritize sustainability within its values and mission?
SK: As the head of Makers Studio at SHOWFIELDS, I can confidently say that sustainability is a top priority for us, and it is incorporated into every aspect of our business. Our main pillars are reusing and finding sustainable finishes, which guide our brand production buildout. We believe that sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessary mindset shift towards conscious consumption and production. To incorporate sustainability into our overall business strategy, we have developed internal goals that center around creativity, innovation, and community engagement.
Can you explain how SHOWFIELDS incorporates sustainability into its overall business strategy?
SK: We're always looking for ways to make our business more sustainable, and we have some internal goals that help us stay on track. One of our goals is to support local makers in each location we're in. We work with freelancers and artists to bring sustainable craft into each space we design. We also have in-house makers in each market who help us repurpose and transform things so they don't go to waste.
What sustainable practices does SHOWFIELDS implement in its day-to-day operations?
SK: In our day-to-day operations, we implement various sustainable practices such as reducing waste, using environmentally friendly materials, and sourcing products from local and sustainable suppliers. We are always looking for ways to improve our sustainability efforts, and we actively seek out innovative processes and look at craft through a new lens.
In which specific areas is SHOWFIELDS actively working to improve its sustainability efforts?
SK: We are always looking for ways to improve our sustainability efforts. Here are some specific areas where we're actively working to make a difference:
1. Sustainable Materials: We're focused on using sustainable materials as much as possible in all our design and construction projects. This includes sourcing eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastics, thrifted furniture pieces.
2. Waste Reduction: We're committed to reducing waste across all areas of our business, from construction to day-to-day operations. We try to repurpose and transform items that would otherwise be thrown away and we recycle as much as possible.
3. Sustainable Partnerships: We believe that collaboration is key to achieving sustainability goals. We work with sustainable partners to source materials and products, and we partner with local makers and artisans to create unique, sustainable designs.
Could you share an example of a project you’ve worked on at SHOWFIELDS that showcases the company's commitment to sustainability?
Home Curation: We sourced the wood from architectural salvage and carefully treated it for maximum durability, allowing for multiple future uses and repurposing opportunities.
Moon Chang: Our commitment to sustainability extends to our floral arrangements, which are thoughtfully preserved and creatively reused through color changes, varied usage, and unique draping techniques. *Credit to our amazing in-house artist Frankie Twiggs
Spiceology: Our eco-conscious approach to design includes sourcing a reclaimed table and chairs from architectural salvage, as well as crafting striking sculptures from recycled newspaper pulp.
Overall, sustainability is a big part of what we do at Showfields. We believe that by focusing on sustainability, we can help create a better future for our planet and support a community of makers and artisans at the same time!
WOOD FROM architectural salvage
Reused floral arrangements
Table and chairs from architectural salvage