MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Adding to its commitment to sustainable business practices, Hooker Furnishings is expanding its ongoing support of the Arbor Day Foundation with the upcoming launch of its new modern lifestyle furniture brand, M. For every piece of furniture sold within the brand, M will plant one tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to support restoration projects located throughout central Georgia.

The initiative is set to begin on Earth Day, April 22, which is also the first day of Spring High Point Market, where the new M brand will make its debut.

“Hooker Furnishings is committed to seeking new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and to strengthen our overall commitment to a healthy planet,” said Anne Smith, chief administrative officer, and president of domestic upholstery for Hooker Furnishings. “As part of our corporate mission and culture, we’ve taken a holistic approach to sustainability, looking at all aspects of our business to identify areas where we can give back.

“Environmentally responsible brands are being embraced – and sought after – by younger generations across all industries and many of our retailers and interior designers are looking for opportunities to partner with manufacturers who are committed to the long-term well-being of our planet,” she added. “Targeting a younger audience, our M brand presents us with a new opportunity to elevate our engagement with the Arbor Day Foundation by introducing a compelling environmental stewardship story with the launch of the brand.”

In addition to the Arbor Day Foundation partnership, as part of the company’s third annual “Green Week” initiative – which begins on Earth Day, April 22, and concludes on Arbor Day, April 28 – Hooker Furnishings has plans to distribute seed packets at each of its showrooms during High Point Market. The packets – made of recycled post-consumer paper pulp – are filled with a mixture of wildflower seeds that visitors can take home to plant in support of Earth Day. They will be distributed at the company’s new Showplace showroom – located on Floor 3 – its 220 Elm: 200, Level 2 showroom, as well as its new InterHall pop-up showroom, located in IH203 on the first floor of the IHFC.

“It’s important to note that this is more than just a week – it’s an ongoing corporate commitment,” added Smith. “Because our ‘Green Week’ initiatives align with Market, it is the perfect opportunity to share our passion and spread our sustainability mission with our partners. It is our hope that these initiatives inspire others to enhance their own efforts toward creating a cleaner environment, both within their organizations and in their own personal lives.”

In addition to the new Arbor Day Foundation partnership with its M brand and its “Green Week” initiatives, the company has also recently made significant progress in reducing its Greenhouse Gas Emissions – now utilizing energy from renewable resources at three of its major facilities and using all electric material handlers at its distribution centers. In addition, the company has become EFEC (Enhancing Furniture’s Environmental Culture) certified at nearly all its facilities and has upgraded to LED lighting in several manufacturing and distribution centers to reduce electric consumption.

“We are thrilled to be working with partners who are truly dedicated to making this world a better place through its own operations,” said Katie Loos, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The support from Hooker Furnishings allows us to enhance the scope of our impact in forests of great need throughout Georgia. By working with private landowners, this project will plant native trees on degraded forestland to improve habitat connectivity, increase wildfire tolerance, and allow the land to return to its natural state.”

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the world's largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. For more information aobut the Arbor Day Foundation, click here.