California Closets–Even the Big Storage Boys are Going Green

Photo courtesy of California Closets

(Note this is Part 2 of a series on “Do You Get A Headache When You Walk Into Your Closet?“)

I was recently reading an article in Good Housekeeping about a NYC architect, who remodeled his townhouse using many green materials.  What caught my eye is that the family used California Closets to create and install their closet systems.  I nearly dropped off my seat.  California Closets, who is well known for all of their storage solutions for the home and garage, is producing green storage systems??  

This had to be a misprint.   How come I did not know this being as green as I am?  I had to check this out.   First, I looked at their website and nothing was on it about this green option.  Perhaps my nearest California closet franchise store would know?  I called, and they confirmed that they were using SkyBlend if you requested the product. 

As I mentioned in my prior post, “Do you Get a Headache When …”, SkyBlend melamine is manufactured by Roseburg Forest Products and is a particleboard comprised of 100% pre-consumer recycled wood fiber.  This particleboard contains a phenol formaldehyde resin, which is basically the glue that holds the wood fibers together, and emits very low levels of formaldehyde.  According to Rosenberg, “SkyBlend formaldehyde emissions (.00-.01ppm) are no greater than levels occurring in outdoor ambient air conditions.”   

 Are all of the California Closets’ franchises using SkyBlend?  I needed to know more, and contacted the company in California. My call was referred to Melanie Vuynovich, of Double Forte, spokesperson for California Closets.  As Melanie can attest, I had a lot of questions about California Closets’ decision to go green.  She went that extra mile to answer all my questions and this is what I learned from our endless email conversations. 

   In September, 2006, California Closets, the leading home storage solution company, teamed up with Roseburg to offer SkyBlend made closet systems as their commitment to the environment.  In their press release prepared by Double Forte, “‘California Closets’ adoption of SkyBlend panels is 100% the result of our clients request for more eco-friendly products,’ said Anthony Vidergauz, president and CEO of California Closets.’”  The use of California Closet’s SkyBlend storage systems contributes to achieve LEED credits in any home or building construction project.

 Go to “location section” on California Closet’s website to find the nearest franchise to you to see if they distribute SkyBlend.  It is available in a range of colors including white, almond, maple, cognac, candlelight, pearwod, rustic cherry, quiet, ivory, and chocolate pear.  The product is priced at a premium and requires a longer lead time so that the franchises can special order it.  It is only being offered in the United States, Mexico, and Canada at this time. 

 Do not be discouraged when you go on their website since there is no information about their new green offering.  They are looking into new marketing efforts to get the green word out.  

  I am just glad that California Closet took this important Green storage step…

Next Post:  Terra Cabinets, A NJ Socially Responsible Company Making Green Closet Systems A Priority

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