Get Organized - and Go Green! BY C A R R I E M C C O N K E Y, W W W.C A R R I E M C C O N K E Y.C O M
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ID YOU know that by having your closet professionally designed, you’ll be helping the planet? The organized storage industry for closets and garages is taking part in the Climate Positive movement through their use of TFL, 3DL, and HPL surfaces, commonly known as laminates. Knoxville’s Chris McKenr y, owner and storage design specialist at Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages, is proud to play a role. “We use melamine composite wood panels, also known as Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL),” said Chris. “Years ago, they were seen as a less attractive option to solid wood. But laminates have come a long way. Today, they are considered a responsible choice for our health and that of the environment.” What is Climate Positive? A carbon footprint includes the energy used and emissions released during a product’s sourcing, production, and distribution. The larger the footprint, the more global warming may occur. Climate positive products not only achieve net zero carbon emissions, but they actually remove carbon dioxide from the environment. Composite wood panels (laminates) are inherently climate positive and offer sustainability advantages that other materials can’t match. “While wood can give off greenhouse
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EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE
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gases, the production process of laminates seals 95% of the gases in, protecting the atmosphere,” said Chris. Environmental Advantages Reduced greenhouse gas emission is far from the only benefit laminates provide. Made with leftover wood fiber, they are a recycled product from inception. With less new wood used, less trees are harvested. Their durability means a lower chance of damage during handling and installation, which saves on waste and materials. And the installed components hold up to heavy use, keeping carbon stored longer. Homeowner Benefits Homeowners don’t have to sacrifice beauty for sustainability. The melamine panels used by Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages have a soft look and are warm to the touch. “And touch them all you want; they’re fingerprint-proof and easy to clean,” said Chris. Melamine is moisture, fire, and pest resistant and with proper maintenance will never show age. Fifteen colors can complement any décor, and in the rare case that a panel must be replaced, it can easily be matched. Best of all, they are cost-effective. “Even more so now that we’re offering financing and 18 months same as cash for those who qualify,” said Chris.
Future Change Furniture designers, interior designers, builders, and architects all over the world are integrating sustainability into their products and practices, and schools such as the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) have made it a part of their curriculum. “The closet and garage storage industry is excited to be a part of this movement,” said Chris. “We’re providing value and quality to our customers, who gain peace from their organized spaces - and peace of mind that they are being eco-friendly.” Chris and his team invite you to visit the Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages showrooms in West Knoxville to see the new generation of laminates for yourself!
Closets by McKenry 201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922 865.249.6382 www.ClosetsbyMcKenry.com www.DesignerGarages.com