In 2004, Cole decided to transform ABC Home, the Manhattan-based retailer of upscale home design, into a mission-based business focusing on the environment and social responsibility. She began by asking furniture manufacturers where they sourced their wood. Today ABC Home sells 650 choices of "good wood" furniture. Cole, who calls herself the good housekeeper of the design world, is expanding her retail influence with new programs developing products made in India, Africa and Asia.
abchome.com
Call it responsibility or accountability. Or simple popular demand. The rarefied world of design is embracing the environment as never before. Top architects are implementing revolutionary methods. Fashion and furniture mainstays are manufacturing products using sustainable materials. And luxury empires are establishing credos on issues their customers are still waking up to. Behind the scenes, trailblazing executives are taking big risks to make it all happen beautifully.