Sustainable closet solutions: Eco-friendly and energy-efficient design
At California Closets, we truly understand the importance of sustainability and our responsibility to the environment and to our customers. With this pledge in mind, we are constantly looking to source products that have sustainable attributes, for example, offering a comprehensive line of LED lighting, which offers an energy efficient option for illuminating a space.
Sustainability is not something that is fleeting or trendy but a mainstay of our business, and for this reason, we realize the need to be continuously mindful of our resources. Our commitment to sustainable products and practices is just one of the important initiatives we continue to develop. As an industry-leading brand, why does California Closets prioritize sustainability? We know our customers are looking for sustainable closet solutions, and we aim to offer products that thoughtfully solve your storage problems.
Our commitment to responsible material selection and sustainable business practices has enabled us to participate in notable residential projects pursuing LEED® certification. We have provided storage solutions for the Margarido House and Hillside House in the San Francisco Bay Area, two innovative homes that achieved LEED® for Homes Platinum certification — the highest level awarded under the LEED for Homes program. These pioneering projects helped showcase the possibilities of high-performance residential design and reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting homeowners, builders, and designers who share a vision for creating beautiful, enduring, and environmentally conscious living spaces.
Here, we’ve asked our product team to help illuminate the ways in which California Closets aims to be more sustainable.
How would you describe California Closets’ sustainable product options?
Sustainability is considered at every stage of our product development process. A percentage of our boards are crafted from pre-consumer recycled content (from 50 to 100%, depending on the vendor). By utilizing materials that may contain recycled content, we help reduce landfill waste and support the responsible use of natural resources. Our composite wood products meet some of North America's most stringent formaldehyde emission standards, including CARB Phase 2 and EPA TSCA Title VI requirements. This commitment reflects our dedication to creating beautifully designed storage solutions that support healthier homes and a more sustainable future.
We also offer an array of Ecoresin® inserts, which contain 40% pre-consumer recycled content. Some of the available patterns incorporate handcrafted materials from artisans in remote villages around the world, helping to bring more economic stability to these communities.
Additionally, we offer a variety of other products that have sustainable features. To name a few: LED lights, Chroma countertops, and a selection of fabric panels made from recycled material.
What are common misconceptions about sustainability?
For some, the word sustainability may conjure thoughts of products that are not well-made or are visually unappealing. However, products made with sustainable materials are not only high-quality, but they can also have a beautiful aesthetic.
Take, for example, our Bear Grass Ecoresin® insert, which can be used for doors, drawers, or as a back panel, and is made from 40% recycled material, can be recycled through the supplier at the end of its life, and has been made using natural leaf accents. The sustainable benefits of this are clear; additionally, this product is a durable and stunning combination of translucent resin with subtle hints of elements found in nature, creating an exquisite design.
How does California Closets minimize its carbon footprint in terms of shipping and energy consumption?
Beyond offering products that aim for sustainability, we also aim to reduce energy, waste, and consumption wherever we can. Our two corporately owned manufacturing facilities located in Grand Rapids, MI, and Tolleson, AZ, supply product to over half of our locations. At those facilities, we take measures to ensure systems run efficiently and to minimize waste consumption both in the buildings and in the processes we use there. We’ve moved from single-use wooden shipping pallets to reusable skids at our manufacturing center. This saves us from creating and disposing of approximately 60 pallets a day, saving money and diverting copious waste from landfills. Our machines utilize an eco-mode setting that optimizes energy efficiency and power consumption while maintaining acceptable performance levels. Shipments are consolidated for minimal impact and cardboard from inbound packaging is repurposed for outbound freight.
Outside of our production efforts, we work to reduce energy at the corporate level as well. The majority of our corporate staff works remotely, saving about 25.6 pounds of CO2 emissions per employee, per day.
Is California Closets still looking for ways to minimize its carbon footprint in the future?
Yes. We continuously evaluate opportunities to reduce our environmental impact through responsible material selection, product longevity, and energy-efficient design. Wood-based materials offer an environmental benefit by storing carbon that trees absorb from the atmosphere during growth. This carbon remains stored within the product throughout its useful life, making durable, long-lasting products an important part of maximizing that benefit. By designing solutions that are built to last for many years, we help extend the life of these materials while reducing the need for replacement and the associated use of additional resources.
We also incorporate energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, throughout our product offerings. LEDs consume significantly less energy and have a much longer service life than traditional lighting technologies, helping reduce energy consumption over time. Their long lifespan also means fewer replacements and less material waste, supporting our commitment to thoughtful, sustainable design.
What are sustainable closet solutions for a small wardrobe?
Sustainable closet solutions combine efficient design, durable materials, and long-term flexibility. For smaller wardrobes, California Closets recommends adjustable shelving, slim-profile hanging space, and multi-purpose drawers that maximize storage while adapting to changing needs over time. Energy-efficient LED lighting improves visibility while using less energy, and our thoughtfully designed organization systems help reduce clutter and make better use of every inch of available space. Built with quality materials and designed for lasting performance, our custom closet systems support a more sustainable home by extending product life, minimizing waste, and creating storage solutions that grow with you.
How do I create a capsule wardrobe for sustainability?
Curate versatile pieces you love, organize by frequency of use, and design storage that supports maintenance — like breathable drawers and dedicated accessory zones. Keeping fewer but better items reduces waste and complements carbon-neutral closet solutions through lower lifetime impacts.
