The Role of Sustainable Site Furnishings
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In the era of climate action, landscape architects are stepping up as leaders in sustainable design. The materials, processes, and partners they choose can significantly impact the environment. At Spruce & Gander, we align with your commitment to sustainability by representing manufacturers dedicated to eco-conscious innovation. Together, we can create outdoor spaces that are functional, beautiful, and climate-positive.
The Sustainability Commitment of Our Partners
1. Urban Accessories: Durable, Recycled, and Flexible Design
- Urban Accessories combines craftsmanship with eco-conscious practices, crafting products from up to 100% recycled materials, including reclaimed car parts. Their ductile iron, aluminum, and steel products embody sustainability, using 52%-100% recycled content.
- Their integrated manufacturing process keeps emissions low, with materials sourced within 50 miles of their Washington facilities. By prioritizing local sourcing, they significantly reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.
- Urban Accessories is built for durability, ensuring its products last for decades while reducing waste. Each product is designed to balance environmental stewardship with high design.

2. Metalco: A Circular Vision for Urban Spaces
- Metalco has fully embraced a renewable energy approach, powered by over 7,000 solar panels that generate clean energy and reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 850 tons. Their commitment extends beyond energy use, with 100% recyclable materials across their product lines.
- The innovative use of FSC-certified wood, WPC (wood-plastic composites), and recycled metals ensures that their designs meet rigorous sustainability standards. Their focus on closed-loop production reduces material waste, while their products balance high performance and aesthetics.

3. Street Furniture Australia: Leading the Charge in Carbon Neutrality
- As the first Australian street furniture company to achieve Climate Neutral Certification, Street Furniture Australia goes beyond offsetting emissions by actively implementing a comprehensive Emissions Reduction Strategy.
- Their manufacturing incorporates low-carbon aluminum, durable steel, and responsibly sourced wood from PEFC-certified forests. They've redefined sustainability in the public domain through a blend of lean manufacturing, circular design principles, and energy-efficient processes.

4. Thomas Steele & Madrax: Encouraging Green Communities
- Thomas Steele and Madrax focus on creating pedestrian and bike-friendly environments with durable products that promote walking and biking as sustainable alternatives to cars.
- Their site furnishings and bike racks are crafted with up to 90% recycled steel and sustainable wood, including HDPE from post-consumer plastics. A single Walden bench, for example, repurposes the equivalent of 750 milk jugs.
- Their e-Steele™ process, a durable and environmentally friendly coating method, aligns with OSHA and EPA standards, further reducing their environmental impact.

5. Hart Concrete Design: Green Innovation in Every Step
- Hart Concrete Design stands out with their GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete), a lighter, stronger, and more sustainable alternative to traditional concrete. This material is made with renewable ingredients and reduces overall weight by up to 70%, cutting resource use and transportation emissions.
- Their production emphasizes waste minimization, with water recycling, sawdust reuse, and wastewater evaporation leading the way in eco-conscious manufacturing.

6. Deco Planters: Aesthetic Sustainability with Precision
- Deco Planters materials showcase their commitment to the environment: aluminum products with up to 85% recycled content, stainless steel at 70% recycled content, and corten steel made from 85% recycled materialsdecoplanters_sustainabi….
- They ensure all materials are 100% recyclable, further reducing environmental impact. Their VOC-free powder coating process also eliminates harmful emissions, making them a standout choice for environmentally conscious projects.
- Deco Planters seamlessly blends sustainability with style, ensuring their products enhance outdoor spaces while supporting eco-friendly goals.

Sustainability in Action: Questions for Collaboration
Inspired by the ASLA's climate- and biodiversity-focused dialogue guide, here are key questions to ensure your next project prioritizes sustainability.
- Material Transparency: What percentage of recycled or renewable materials is used?
- Lifecycle Considerations: Are the products designed for durability and end-of-life recycling?
- Local Impact: How far are materials sourced and transported?
By asking these questions, you strengthen partnerships that align with your climate action goals.
Call to Action: Let's Build Greener Together
Spruce & Gander bridges the gap between innovation and design by connecting you with manufacturers who take climate action seriously. Together, we can create timeless and climate-positive spaces. Ready to make an impact? Contact us today or explore our portfolio of products to find a sustainable solution for your next project.