FAQ


Q. Why should I consider Green cabinetry?
A. Earthwise Cabinetry is safer for the environment during production and in your home. Additionally the material collection methods minimize the impact on the environment by insuring they are sustainably harvested, recycled, reclaimed or reconstituted. For a more complete explanation see the ‘Our Process’ and ‘Products We Use’ sections of our website.

Q. I've heard Green cabinets are much more expensive than conventional cabinetry. Is this true?
A. Not with us! Although some shops use "Green" as an excuse to raise their prices, a typical Earthwise job is usually within 5% - 10% of a comparable conventional job. This is due primarily to slightly higher material costs.

Q. How long are your Earthwise cabinets warranted for?
A. Our Earthwise Cabinetry is sold with a limited lifetime warranty with a 5 year warranty on the protective finish. You can use the contact page to request a complete copy of our warranty.

Q. Are your cabinets really eco-friendly?
A. Absolutely. We use formaldehyde free hardwood plywood panels, a low VOC waterborne finish, reclaimed materials, recycled materials, FSC certified bamboo and FSC certified hardwoods.

Q. Does your company use Green practices?
A. Yes. Our facilities recycle all materials which are recyclable. Usable wood scraps and other materials are donated to high school wood shop programs for reuse. Additionally we work 4-10 hour days thereby reducing employee commuting fuel consumption and auto emissions by 20%.

Q. How long have you been in business?
A. We have been manufacturing quality cabinetry for the residential, commercial and hospitality industries for over 30 years.

Q. Do you offer design services?
A. Our design staff has over 75 years of direct experience designing kitchens specifically tailored to your particular needs.

Q. Do you offer installation services?
A. We prefer to install your cabinets for you to ensure that installation is done properly. However, we can supply cabinets without installation if you so choose.

Q. How can I be sure my Earthwise cabinets are truly Green?
A. Upon completion of every Earthwise job the purchaser is provided with a binder documenting chain of custody and material origin information for the materials used for that specific job.

What is FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization established in 1993 to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. Its main tools for achieving this are standard setting, independent certification and labeling of forest products. This offers customers around the world the ability to choose products from socially and environmentally responsible forestry.

With its 10 Principles, FSC offers a comprehensive set of universally applicable requirements for responsible forest management. The aim is to ensure that forest resources are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations.

  • Principle 1: Compliance with all applicable laws and international treaties.
  • Principle 2: Demonstrated and uncontested, clearly defined, long–term land tenure and use rights.
  • Principle 3: Recognition and respect of indigenous people's rights.
  • Principle 4: Maintenance or enhancement of long-term social and economic well-being of forest workers and local communities and respect of worker's rights in compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
  • Principle 5: Equitable use and sharing of benefits derived from the forest.
  • Principle 6: Reduction of environmental impact of logging activities and maintenance of the ecological functions and integrity of the forest.
  • Principle 7: Appropriate and continuously updated management plan.
  • Principle 8: Appropriate monitoring and assessment activities to assess the condition of the forest, management activities and their social and environmental impacts.
  • Principle 9: Maintenance of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs) defined as environmental and social values that are considered to be of outstanding significance or critical importance.
  • Principle 10: In addition to compliance with all of the above, plantations must contribute to reduce the pressures on and promote the restoration and conservation of natural forests.

Visit the FSC website at www.fsc.org