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 At The Framer’s Workshop we are committed to offering sustainable picture frame design by offering alternative choices in eco-conscious materials and we make conscious choices toward playing a role in protecting our environment. These green framing choices involve the materials we have available for framing, the supplies we use on a daily basis, and our efforts to reuse and recycle as much as we can. We build quality picture frames to last and we guarantee our work for life, so few if any of our frames end up in landfills. To the right is an ever- expanding list of our green framing practices. Below are some of our vendors who are mindful of the environment in their manufacturing processes and choice of materials.
Our Products and Vendors:
- Green House Framing. Green House Framing is the original source for reclaimed wood picture framing. All frames are designed and handcrafted by the owners, Lisa Pratt and Lars Jorgensen, in their Portland studio. Each frame is hand constructed and finished from salvaged lumber with only animal and earth friendly ingredients. The Framer’s Workshop is delighted to offer these frames made from wall studs and floor beams from deconstructed homes in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about Green House Framing…
- Framerica. The Framer’s Workshop is pleased to carry a selection of Framerica’s environmentally conscious framing material. Framerica uses post-consumer renewable wood sources such as wood chips and sawdust to create their economical line of Bonanza wood. Their state-of-the art purpose built ultra-efficient facility is recognized as a model in the green framing industry. To learn more about the original green framing manufacturer, click on the Bonanza Wood link on Framerica’s environmental page…
- Larson-Juhl. In 1991, Larson-Juhl partnered with American Forests to begin the Global ReLeaf ecosystem restoration project. Since then, Larson-Juhl has planted over a quarter of a million trees throughout the world. We carry a full selection of Larson-Juhl frames. Learn more about the many ways Larson-Juhl protects the environment…
- Larson-Juhl Biltmore Collection Art and Frames. Partnering with Biltmore, which has been a sustainable estate since its opening in 1895, Larson-Juhl has created the Biltmore Collection of moulding, the first collection certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, PEFC, which traces the chain of custody of the lumber from the forest to the final product so consumers can be confident they are purchasing from a well-managed, sustainable forest. Biltmore Collection mat boards are the first FSC mat boards on the market. The Framer's Workshop is a Premier Dealer of The Biltmore Collection Frames. Learn more about Biltmore's Global Promise...
- Roma Moulding. We are pleased to carry a large selection of Roma mouldings. Roma’s suppliers are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and follow strict guidelines. Roma continues to use environmentally friendly packaging. One initiative among many is the use of a natural 100-percent biodegradable packaging material that has replaced Styrofoam. Learn more about Roma’s commitment to the environment (pdf) …
- Nurre Caxton’s Eco-Care line is produced from managed forests with active reforestation programs. They use organic, water-based stains on these mouldings, using no chemical solvents. Learn more…
- Garrett Moulding’s Hardwoods They use FSC certified wood that is sustainably grown. The finishes are as eco-friendly as possible and still provide a durable finish. We carry several Garrett hardwood mouldings and offer many for special order. Learn more about Garrett’s environmentally friendly manufacturing process (pdf)..
- Universal Framing Products’ NatureWood is a unique moulding line made with 100-percent sustainable pine, providing an appearance of real, exotic wood.
- Studio EL, a division of Editions Limited, is currently working on a new line of “green” limited-edition prints to be released in summer 2008. The company is utilizing a new ultraviolet technology that allows it to print directly on alternative substrates, especially sustainable materials.
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Technology and Energy:
- With our new computerized point-of-sale design system, we have given up our triplicate sales forms and are able to print just one copy of your orders. We use both sides of printing paper in our printers and fax machine whenever possible. All of your orders and estimates are now saved in our computer system rather than in paper files. We back up both onsite and online, eliminating offsite paper storage.
- We minimize the use of paper in our office by sending invoices, quotations, and other documents by e-mail. Office supplies are purchased from the Green Catalogue at Give Something Back, headquartered in the Bay Area.
- Our Wizard computerized mat cutter virtually eliminates mistakes and saves mat board.
- We use low energy compact fluorescent tubes and bulbs wherever practical. As we repaint our shop, we are using Benjamin Moore’s 0-VOC “Natura” paints.
- Our equipment and computers are turned off at night to save energy.
- We save mounting projects to be done at one time so that our vacuum heat press is not on all day.
Reuse and Recycling:
- We use leftover pieces of moulding, glass, mat, and backing to create the beautiful ready-made frames you see in our ready-made room.
- We reuse Kraft paper and the paper that protects our crated sheets of glass for wrapping your finished work.
- We donate extra scrap mat board, cardboard, and foamcore backing to local schools, (Please call if you would like to participate) and we donate frames that our customers wish to discard to local arts organizations such as The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse.
- All remaining scrap paper, mat board, and cardboard are placed in recycling bins and are recycled by The City of Berkeley.
- We take our aluminum frame scraps to a commercial recycler.
- We reuse cardboard, bubble wrap and styrofoam for packaging. Any leftovers are donated to a local packaging store.
- Picture frame glass and acrylic cannot be recycled at this time, but we do our best to reuse them in our ready made frames.
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