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Discovering the Value of Pre-Owned Office Furniture

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

Why buy new office furniture when you can buy pre-owned office furniture that functions the same and looks fantastic, but is a fraction of the price? Think of it like a car, certified pre-owned cars are of the same quality of a new car, but at a lower price, so why buy new? At EthoSource, we liquidate high-end office furniture from large businesses all across the U.S. We carefully select the best inventories from these businesses and bring them back to our facility. After a thorough cleaning and inspection they are made available to our customers. Along with pre-owned solutions, we offer refurbished cubicles that are another great way of saving money without sacrificing quality.

Many of our customers are amazed at the quality of the product they receive for the price. By purchasing pre-owned or refurbished office furniture, they are actually able to get a higher quality product than they would have by purchasing new at the same price. For example, you could buy a new, lower quality desk, or a pre-owned high quality desk for the same price or less. The same scenario holds true for all of our pre-owned office furniture; cubicles, seating, conference tables, filing, reception stations and more. By utilizing our pre-owned office furniture you are also being environmentally responsible. By purchasing pre-owned, you are preventing the use of the raw materials necessary to produce new office furniture. EthoSource is able to help businesses earn points toward a LEED certification through our eco-friendly office furniture solutions.

Refurbished cubicles are another source of great value. Through the EthoSource refurbishment process we are able to create a workstation that looks and functions like a new cubicle. Our refurbished cubicles allow customers to customize their workstations by selecting the fabrics, laminates, tiles, configurations and more at significant cost savings compared to new. The end result is a workstation that only you will know isn’t new.

Maximizing Your Investment in Office Furniture

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Suppose you are a New York City, Washington DC or Philadelphia firm that is in the process of relocating your business and you are in need of office furniture liquidation services. After searching all across the web for a company to remove your office furniture, you came across EthoSource’s website. You read through the liquidation case studies and tips for a successful office furniture liquidation and also watched a video that highlighted many other buildings that have been liquidated by EthoSource. After sifting through countless testimonials and learning how EthoSource maximizes the value of your used office furniture, you know you have found your office furniture liquidators.

Along with having your used office furniture removed, you now need to furnish your new office. EthoSource can help here too. EthoSource is a leading provider of pre-owned, refurbished and new office furniture such as pre-owned and refurbished cubicles, executive desk sets, seating, conference tables, reception stations, filing and more at savings of up to 70%. The EthoSource office furniture buying process begins with a conversation with one of our experienced account executives. It is in this conversation that our account executive understands your office furniture needs and helps you determine the most suitable options for your space. Once you determine the office furniture you desire, our exceptional staff of designers will work with you to design your floor plan. The EthoSource designers are specialists in configuring your office space in the most efficient and functional manner, tailored specifically to your business. After you have decided on the office furniture and the design of your space, the EthoSource project management team takes over. Our project management team is in charge of handling the delivery and installation of your office furniture. They work with you to determine the date of the delivery and installation and will handle any circumstances that may arise while furnishing your office. It is their job to ensure everything goes smoothly and on time.

Now imagine that your company is experiencing some growth and you open another location across the country in Phoenix, Arizona or Denver, Colorado. Since EthoSource operates nationwide, we can handle this office furniture project as well. With our knowledge from your other office, we can create the same look for the Phoenix or Denver location so that your offices have a uniform look, or we can create a look representative of your new location.

As a one stop shop for office furniture solutions for businesses of all sizes across the US, EthoSource takes pride in helping our customers maximize the value of their office furniture investments.

Complete Office Furniture Solutions for Today’s Business Environments

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

There are not many things that are constant in a business environment, except for change. Many times throughout the life cycle of a business, decision makers are forced to adapt to some form of change. Whether it is an addition, or subtraction of employees, changing locations, remodeling the current location, changing employee job functions or something else, decision makers must adjust to the situation. Those who are slow to react to change will find themselves scrambling to catch up to the competition. So wouldn’t it be nice to have office furniture that can change as your business does?

The heart of our business here at EthoSource is helping company’s all across the US accommodate for change, by providing office furniture solutions tailored specifically to your business. EthoSource’s office furniture solutions include; new and pre-owned office furniture, refurbished cubicles, space planning and design, project management, liquidation services and more. By utilizing our gambit of office furniture solutions, we can help businesses going through any state of change.

Forms of Change

Growth - One instance of change that EthoSource is well versed in addressing is growth. EthoSource has worked with a number of businesses as they continue to grow in their current offices and as they expand to new offices across the country. By blending new and pre-owned office furniture we are able help companies accommodate for growth. Many of our clients are repeat customers because as they grow we are aware of the office furniture already in their space. This knowledge allows us to offer the most cost effective and efficient solutions. If a company has multiple locations in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago for instance, EthoSource is able to standardize their office furniture look across all of their offices. To take it even further, EthoSource could customize each location’s office furniture to represent the surrounding region; for example, the Philadelphia office could be Phillies red or Eagles green.

Consolidating - As companies look to optimize their operations, sometimes employee’s job functions change.  EthoSource’s refurbished cubicles allow for multiple configurations to suit any job function. For example, Herman Miller Ethospace cubicles can be configured to have high walls for privacy or can be installed with low walls to allow collaboration. If an employee needs more storage, there are a number of above and below surface storage options. If an employee now needs a fully private office but there are no more offices available, we can create a cubicle office with doors. The list of configuration options can go on and on.

Relocating or Downsizing - Businesses that are changing locations have utilized EthoSource’s office furniture liquidation services. Our liquidation staff will work with businesses to remove their excess office furniture, handling the entire process along the way. From there, our sales team can work on furnishing the new office space with cubicles, seating, desk sets, conference tables, filing and more.

No matter what state of change a company is going through, EthoSource has the office furniture solutions to help achieve their goals.

Used Office Furniture or Pre-owned Office Furniture?

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Have you ever bought a used car? If so, you may be inclined to shy away from telling someone about it. Ever bought a pre-owned car? Suddenly you aren’t so shy to boast about your purchase. Pre-owned is far more acceptable than used to many consumers.  But wait a minute, aren’t used and pre-owned the same? The short answer, yes, but in our subconscious there is an innate difference.

As consumers we are programmed by various marketing efforts to believe there is a difference between pre-owned and used. I am here to tell you that there is no difference. I can assure you that a cluster of pre-owned cubicles bears the exact same quality as a used cluster of cubicles and that a used desk set is the same as a pre-owned desk set.  The challenge is to look beyond the label and discover the value proposition behind previously owned office furniture.  With the right manufacturer or dealer, the same look and function can be achieved at a fraction of the price.

The reality is that buying pre-owned office furniture, regardless of what you call it, is not at all comparable to buying a car.  The industry has evolved and today’s manufacturers have paid close attention to the voices of consumers.  Those who are looking for pre-owned options at affordable prices no longer have to sacrifice quality to get what they want. Today’s pre-owned is often cleaned, re-finished, reupholstered, or refurbished.  New parts are often supplemented to create a nice option that is still used and environmentally friendly.

With a reputable manufacturer or dealer, you can trust that your buying experience and subsequent satisfaction with the purchase will be no different from that with a new dealer.  The best pre-owned providers in the industry come with consultative sales reps, skilled designers, efficient project managers and experienced installers.  Often, their hands-on knowledge and experience with various brands and generations of furniture makes them a valuable resource in the furniture selection process.

At EthoSource, in Pennsylvania, we recently celebrated our tenth anniversary of offering quality office furniture at competitive pricing.  From new to pre-owned to refurbished to liquidation, we have worked with companies of all sizes to provide the full gamut of office furniture services.   With a significant portion of our business coming from repeat customers, we are comfortable assuring customers their needs will be met, and their expectations exceeded.

Does Office Design Affect Employees’ Moods?

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Do your employees work in an office environment that is too small, drab, boring and sterile? Do you find it hard to motivate your team throughout the work day? Have you ever thought that the design of your office could directly affect your company’s mood and motivation? Well, It can. In a report compiled by Scientific American factors such as the height of the ceiling, the colors of your office, the window views or lack thereof, the temperature, the configuration of the office space and office furniture, and more, can predetermine people’s moods and effect productivity in the workplace.

Office furniture plays a large role in the overall appearance of your work space, therefor it could be said that it is a big contributor toward the overall mood of the office. Think about an office of endless rows of monotone cubicles packed in like sardines, I’m depressed already. Now imagine if this was your reality at work each day. Over time, the effects of an environment like this will wear at an individual’s mental psyche. It can lead to a loss of energy, lower productivity, frequent long stares (the lights are on but no one is home), and an addiction to coffee.

One solution to create a better working environment is utilizing the office space to its fullest potential. Find the configuration that maximizes your overall office space. Next, choose office furniture that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Lucky for you, EthoSource is in the businesses of creating an office environment tailored to your needs. Our staff of expert designers will lay out your space to maximize every inch. If you are unsure of the layout you desire, our designers can create several floor plans that you can choose from. Along with choosing your floor plan, our designers can help you customize your cubicles, and let me tell you there are a countless number of ways to do so.

Let us discuss a few of these cubicle customization options:

Cubicle Color: The color of your cubicle can play a major role in determining your mood. A green, for instance, promotes tranquility and calmness. Reds present a more intense environment, and oranges promote energetic vibes. If your company operates in a fast paced world, using vibrant colors can help keep employees sharp.

Cubicle Configuration: Herman Miller Ethospace cubicles allow for a vast array of cubicle configurations. If you want a work setting in which employees collaborate freely, you can utilize low-wall cubicles that have peninsula-shaped work surfaces. You can also use 120 degree stations that have an open design. If you need privacy, you can employ high wall cubicles. To avoid being cut off from the world in high wall cubicles you can use glass tiles.   Using glass tiles can allow for natural light to come through and still give a connected but separate feeling.

There are a countless number of other ways to customize your cubicles and floor space to create an office that is welcoming and energetic. In this day and age, it is imperative to have a staff that is motivated and eager to work. EthoSource can help you maximize employee productivity by making the work environment pleasing and efficient.

Questions You Should Ask About Your Office Furniture

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

Selecting the proper office furniture for your space is very important on a number of levels. You want to be sure your office furniture purchase is economical, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. So before you go off and start signing checks and furnishing your work environment there are a few things you should learn and ask yourself about your office furniture.

Is the office furniture productivity enhancing? Proper configuration of your office furniture is key, therefor having office furniture that meets your needs of functionality and efficiency is vital. Having cubicles that tailor to your specific needs will improve productivity and efficiency. High walls will create privacy, low walls promote collaboration, glass tiles allow outside light and views for internal occupants.  Layout of the office furniture is important to maximize the use of your space.

Can your office furniture change with you as your needs change? Can you reconfigure easily? Does your office furniture allow you to increase height, add accent tiles, marker tiles, tackable tiles, or glass tiles without causing a major disruption or significant downtime?

Does the furniture provide “value”? Is the office furniture long lasting, durable and solid? Can it be taken apart, relocated, and installed again without the worry of parts breaking or the product becoming disposable? Can the office furniture be easily refreshed with new fabrics in an affordable and convenient fashion in case you want to change your look several years down the road without investing in new furniture?

What message does your office furniture send to visitors and employees?  Creating an office environment that is welcoming and comfortable is important in boosting employee morale and impressing clients and visitors.

How important is a good office chair? Selecting the right office chair for your body is imperative. Having the proper ergonomic features can help avoid back and neck injuries down the line and keep you energized all day long.

Think about these questions next time you are ready to purchase office furniture to ensure you make an informed decision. EthoSource is a leading provider of office furniture solutions that help you save money, maximize efficiency and achieve the look you desire.

To learn more about furnishing your office space, contact an EthoSource representative today.

Bamboo - A Great Choice for Green Office Furniture

Monday, April 19th, 2010

EthoSource has many options to help you create an office environment that meets your operational, aesthetic and environmental goals. One material finding an increasing use in office furniture is bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource with a short regeneration time that helps ease the deforestation of old growth forests.

Even though it is technically a grass, bamboo can be used to substitute wood which takes much longer to produce and grow. Depending on the species, bamboo can be harvested between 2-7 years of growth while timber can take anywhere from 35-75 years (plus or minus). Bamboo grows in stalks or culms which are hollow. These stalks are cut into strips and laminated together to create either a plywood panel or a vertical grain panel. The vertical grain panel is most common for finished product because it simulates a natural wood grain. Bamboo creates a beautiful aesthetic and has many different color options. In systems furniture, it can be used on exterior or interior tiles, surfaces, and overhead flipper door units. Depending on the style and color you choose, many different “looks” can be created with this unique, sustainble material.

EthoSource has many different materials and refurbishing techniques to help you be earth-friendly. Along with rapidly renewable resources, we can incorporate refurbished and recycled materials as well. Call us to discuss how EthoSource can help you save money and the environment at the same time.

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EthoSource Contributes in the Effort to go LEED Platinum

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

With the growing environmental issues in the world today, many businesses are seeking sustainable solutions for their companies. Because of this, the USGBC’s LEED certification is becoming increasingly popular. This certification describes the level of sustainability associated with a building. There are four certification levels; certified, silver, gold, and platinum. Recently, EthoSource played a major role in a 900 workstation LEED Platinum project in Southeastern, Pennsylvania.

This newly constructed, four-story, 200,000 sq. ft. building is one of less than 125 buildings in the U.S. to have obtained a platinum level certification. Some of the sustainable features include: a sod roof with native vegetation, rainwater collection, energy efficient building systems, an open plan layout-perfect for daylighting, triple glazed glass walls, and geothermal wells. They also used recycled and locally sourced materials wherever possible. This same "green" approach was required for the purchase and installation of 900 employee workstations. With this in mind, EthoSource was a natural fit.

Through a great deal of creativity, EthoSource was able to present a green solution which included the maximum reutilization of their existing cubicles, the supplementation of additional pre-owned components, the face-lift (applying new fabric) to the existing inventory, and the blending in of new product from the manufacturer. All of these steps were accomplished in a collaborative effort that met the customer’s design standards, budgetary goals, and LEED objectives.

The Benefits of Refurbished Office Furniture

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Refurbished office furniture is furniture that has been renovated to look and function like new furniture.  It is an environmentally friendly option that provides the same aesthetic options as new but at a significantly reduced price.

Environmental Benefit:  Every time 40 cubicles are refurbished, one less truckload goes to the landfill.  Refurbishing also saves our raw materials and minimizes energy usage.  For instance, every ton of recycled steel saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,000 pounds of coal, and 40 pounds of limestone.  It also saves 4,300 kilowatt-hours of energy.   Indoor air quality is another environmental benefit from refurbished office furniture because occupants have significantly less exposure to the volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) that result from the new manufacturing process.

Cost Benefit:  When you don’t have to pay for the raw materials, labor, or energy that are needed to make new furniture, the savings are tremendous.

Aesthetic Benefit:  Refurbishing uses the underlying structure of the furniture, yet allows for the visual elements of the cubicle to be designed to any specification.  Customers choose colors, patterns or styles to fit their workspaces with an endless array of options.

Eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing and economically advantageous - refurbishing makes for a win-win-win situation.