How Sustainable Forestry in the Furniture Industry Protects the Planet

March 5, 2021March 5, 2021 Alexandra Thompson

We believe that practices are genuinely sustainable when they meet the needs of people, protect the planet, and create economic impact. As leaders in our industry, our goal is to highlight the innovative (and traditional) best practices that make it possible for wood furniture making to sustain itself for generations to come. Read part one of our triple bottom line sustainability series on people here.

Our Planet

Illegal logging and widespread deforestation has already begun to affect our climate and ecosystem. Rainforests that once covered 14% of the earth’s land surface now cover a mere 6%. The last remaining rainforests could be gone in less than 40 years. Rainforest deforestation is destroying or severely threatening nearly half of the world’s species of plants and animals over the next 25 years.

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This blog is written by your friends at Vermont Woods Studios. Check out our Vermont made furniture and home decor online and visit our showroom and art gallery at Stonehurst, the newly restored 1800s farmhouse nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains.

VWS Joins 1% for the Planet

February 20, 2021February 17, 2021 Peggy Farabaugh

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How a Working Forest Contributes to a Healthier Ecosystem

February 14, 2021 Alexandra Thompson

By managing our own forest here in Vermont since 2013, we have witnessed the beautiful harmony of a healthy ecosystem. When Vermont Woods Studios outgrew the spare bedroom in Peggy’s home, our team searched for a permanent home. Above all, our goal was to find a space that would reflect the values of the company and offer a home to showcase the works of Vermont’s finest furniture craftsmen. After a long search, we found Stonehurst. As you can imagine, we love every minute we get to spend out in our forest!

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2020 Highlights

February 7, 2021February 9, 2021 Riley Farabaugh

Last updated on February 9th, 2021 at 09:37 am

2020 was a crazy year for all of us but looking back, we actually got a lot done. Here’s the run down…

We Learned How to Zoom & #WFH

When the seriousness of the pandemic became clear, we made significant changes to facilitate and implement a work-from-home #WFH strategy. We owe a big debt of gratitude to Brian, who helped facilitate a smooth transition to remote work, implementing new technology solutions like Slack, Zoom, and AirCall to ensure we maintained communication both within the organization as well as with customers. Read More

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Your Vermont Guide to a Zero Waste Valentine’s Day

February 6, 2021February 9, 2021 Marina McCoy

Last updated on February 9th, 2021 at 01:41 pm

As Valentine’s day approaches, the debate about purchasing gifts or not purchasing gifts crosses almost everyone’s mind. Did you know that each year, 36 million heart-shaped boxes, 180 million cards, 198 million roses are gifted within the United States? Another interesting fact, 881 thousand sparkling wine bottles are consumed during Valentine’s Day.

The worst part of it all? Most of these items are non-recyclable. They come wrapped in plastic, decorated in glitter, bows, and glue, all of which make them destined for the landfill.

If they are recyclable, like the wine bottles, many towns are not fully recycling glass bottles anymore. Out of the 100 million metric tons of glass produced each year, only 33% of it gets recycled within the United States.

So what can you do? When you are faced with these kinds of obstacles, it is best to shop locally as much as you possibly can.

Read our guide below to find out how you can have a zero waste Valentine’s Day – Vermont edition.

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Sustainable Forestry in the Furniture Industry

January 29, 2021February 4, 2021 Alexandra Thompson

Last updated on February 4th, 2021 at 11:29 am

cut lumber — *Photo by Denis Agati on Unsplash*

Sustainable forestry, the practice of actively managing and maintaining woodlands, is the only way to ensure the long term health and growth of the world’s forests. Although it might seem as though anything made from harvesting wood is harmful to the environment, that is actually not the case.

Sustainable forestry is at the core of Vermont Woods Studios’ business model: to provide handcrafted, custom wood furniture that is made sustainably right here in Vermont. We know a thing or two about sustainable forestry practices, because we’ve been managing our own forest here in Vermont since 2013.

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Zero Waste Holiday Guide

December 16, 2020January 15, 2021 Marina McCoy

Last updated on January 15th, 2021 at 04:27 pm

As the saying goes, ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year.’ The warmth and cheer that the holiday season brings every year are in full swing, but so is the trash. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s day, there is a 25% increase in landfill waste produced. From glittered holiday cards to plastic decorations and single-use casserole dishes, our trash bins begin to get fuller as the holiday season begins to evolve. At Vermont Woods Studios, you know how much we love trees and want to repopulate the forest; that’s why we plant trees for every purchase made. When we found out that 15 million Christmas trees end up in landfills every year across the United States, in addition to the 25% increase in landfill waste, we know we had to do something. Below are our top tips for you to have a zero waste holiday!

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29 Vermont Made Holiday Gift Ideas for 2020

November 23, 2020November 25, 2020 Riley Farabaugh 1 Comment

Last updated on November 25th, 2020 at 09:56 am

We all know the importance of supporting the US economy and buying American made holiday gifts, but let’s not forget about supporting our own local economy here in Vermont. The Green Mountain State has become a bastion for high-quality craftsmanship and original artistry, and there’s tons of Vermont made products that could put a smile on any face.

When you think of products from Vermont your mind probably goes to maple syrup, craft beer and cheese, and of course those made our list, but we’ve included some other great products as well!

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Our Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale for 2020

November 12, 2020November 25, 2020 Riley Farabaugh

Last updated on November 25th, 2020 at 01:39 pm

Black Friday Sale at Vermont Woods Studios — Our biggest savings of the year! Get 20% off storewide. Excludes all home decor, outdoor furniture, artisan furniture, and Copeland collections. $2,000 minimum to qualify. Sale ends Thursday, December 10th at 11:59pm. See additional details.

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Dovetail Joinery: Everything You Need to Know

October 22, 2020October 22, 2020 Riley Farabaugh

Dovetail joints have long been a symbol in woodworking for high quality craftsmanship. Their appearance on a drawer box usually indicates that the furniture is built to last for many years. And while traditional dovetails are fairly easy to recognize, many people might not know that there are actually many different types of dovetail joinery techniques.

In this article, we’ll explain the four most common types of dovetail joints, and also explain the different between English dovetails and French dovetails.

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