About JK Chicago Philosophy Return to Main Practice Products Partners Custom Installations Showroom 1 Showroom 2 Client Testimonials View Slideshow 1 View Slideshow 2 Shop Equipment/Joinery Independent Woodworking Intro: Woodturning Open Shop: Woodturning Cardboard Furniture Design Student Testimonials Student Projects Online Resources Recommended Links Recommended Films JK Chicago EventsContact JK ChicagoSustainable and Local
At JK Chicago, we are committed to sustainable practices. These following measures, along with our general recycling program, have ensured that we produce zero scrap waste. We look forward to building upon our current practices and working with like-minded businesses and clients.
Sustainable Materials
We are currently working in cooperation with Horigan Urban Forest Products, Inc., to offer JK furniture designs in local, sustainable hardwoods. Owned and operated by Bruce and Ericka Horigan, Horigan Urban Forest Products produces high quality hardwood lumber, in a variety of species, with trees harvested from the Chicago area urban forest. These trees are removed due to storm damage, construction, and calamity with no trees removed for the sole purpose of producing lumber.
Low VOC Finishing Products
Following more than a decade of trial and error, we have finally found an environmentally sound line of finishing products that are superior to the high-solvent lacquers and conversion varnishes we've used in the past. Moving forward, all JK furniture will be finished with non-toxic and low VOC (volatile organic compound) finishing products.
Recycled Waste
Patty Kochaver of the Evanston Art Center is putting our ever-increasing volume of waste sawdust to a new and exciting use. Patty and her students are using it to pit fire raku pottery.