Sustainability in design should be the “new normal” we believe here at the company. The future of our world has complex problems which need concise smaller actions to get tangible solutions for the long term. In todays current fast furniture model there are quite a few chemicals used in the manufacturing of furniture, including solvents, glues, sealants, coatings, and sprays. Many in this group of chemicals create a distinctive odor (that smell is often called off gasing, and they are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These chemicals have been linked to reports of health negative effects—sometimes specifically in relation to people who bought a new piece of furniture. In the United States the federal government doesn’t set standards for VOCs but the EPA looked at indoor vs. outdoor air reports that levels of these chemicals  are typically two to five times higher indoors. I’m proud to say after researching and testing so many products we now EXCLUSIVELY use glues, stains, paints and finishes that are either non toxic, eco-friendly, low-voc or organic. Also any merchandise including hats, clothing, t-shirts will be developed using organic or eco-friendly fabrics and materials. I’ve purposely moved the brand in this direction for the health of my family, friends, customers and this big blue beautiful world we live in. 

We realize that slow design has mutiple benefactors to it. The two we focus on most are physical wellness and proper mental health. Design can be about many things: shapes, symmetry, color - but one of the most powerful elements of product development and space design is the opportunity to impact and improve the health and well-being of people. We design furniture to seamlessly intergrate into under served communities to help normalize proper mental health. Our goal is to place our products into homes and commercial spaces to spark empathy, communication, transparency, and care. We are in a time where people have to band together to solve problems where questions must ask and solutions must be figured out. The power of design is at the forefront of everything we want to show what its capable of to help those we see need it most.

Today's furniture industry is dominated by the $13.1 billion-and-growing global ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture market.2 RTA furniture is usually constructed from low-quality chipboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which lasts a mere fraction of traditional furniture's lifespan. The weight of furniture landfilled in 2018 was 9.7 million tons, 4.5 times what was landfilled in 1960. Another 2.4 million tons was discarded using incineration, a controversial waste disposal practice that has only become commonplace since the '80s.The rate at which furniture waste accumulates—and the pollution it produces in landfills and through combustion—litters the planet, whereas "slow"-designed furniture is built with the intention that it will last decades if not centuries. We decided here at Abrownhue that we are part of the slow furniture movement. Slow design is a movement in which interiors, including everything from architecture to kitchen items, are made thoughtfully and responsibly, not mass-produced. The idea is to design spaces and pieces to be appreciated, functional, long-lasting, and thought-provoking. The concept goes beyond just how long it takes to make something. The materials that are considered "slow" are often more sustainable. The notion of timelessness also lends itself to a lower environmental impact. Besides their demonstrated physical durability, slow materials and design are meant to outlive trends and never be thrown out simply because they're out of style.