Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson/Q Collection
READ MORE ABOUT:
Spotlighting Jesse Johnson as this week's Change Maker simply seems too perfect. His company the Q Collection—which designs planet safe and people safe adult and children's furniture and textiles—just recently won TreeHugger's Best of Green Children’s Furniture award. Not an easy feat considering the large pool of other green designers in the eco-sphere.
So how'd Jesse take it to the top? It probably doesn't hurt that he's got some major eco-cred including a joint masters in business and environmental management from Yale University and a wife who serves as a consultant in the field of women's environmental health. His experience helped shape Q Collection, which abides by the strictest of environmental standards—incorporating local and sustainably sourced wood, water-based non-toxic finishes and formaldehyde-free plyboard into its furniture, and fabrics that are recyclable and Cradle to Cradle certified. Beyond just being green, the designs are also deeply dashing—both colorful and classic.
When Jesse's not serving as a member of Yale's Environmental Leadership Council and NRDC's Global Leadership Council or sitting on the boards of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and 1% For The Planet (founded by Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia), you can find him relaxing at home with his family in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood. Or in the great outdoors, fly fishing, skiing, sailing, cycling and exploring with his young son. Right now he is particularly intrigued by ants and snails.
How did you get into this line of work?
I knew for a long time that I wanted to start my own business. For almost as long I knew that it had to focus on improving the health of our planet. Focusing on design and sustainable home furnishings however, was as much about meeting my now business partner, Anthony, as it was about a seeing that there was a huge need there.
What was your "a-ha" moment?
I am not sure there was one single moment. Reading Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawkin and Our Stolen Future by Myers, Dumanoski, and Colburn were about as close as anything. These books inspired me to leave my job in finance to return to graduate school and study the environment.
Who is your green hero?
The environmental community is fortunate to have some incredibly talented leaders and visionaries but in terms of heroics, I believe that long term success requires that we honor the acts of 'every day' people taking incremental steps—turning off an unnecessary light, weatherizing a home, walking or biking instead of using a car, relying on tap water instead of bottled water, etc. These all have to become heroic acts for us to make significant progress. Folks who disproportionately inspire me include: Bill McKibben (author), Gus Speth (NRDC co-founder), John Adams (NRDC founder), Jeff Sachs (economist), Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia founder), Van Jones (founder, Green for All) and Dr Eric Chivian (past Nobel Peace Prize winner; founder of Harvard's Center for Health and the Global Environment).
What is your ultimate green goal?
To help manifest a healthy planet for generations to come.
What is your motivation?
Most who have children can relate to this—every day I see examples of how short-sighted and ill-informed decisions continue to harm the health of all of us and our planet. We are in the middle of an unprecedented experiment and the world we are leaving our children is very different than the one we were given. Collective consciousness needs to be raised before meaningful action is taken. I am motivated every day to be part of that consciousness raising.
What is most important to you, ecologically speaking?
I believe climate change is the overriding ecological issue of our day. Of most importance to my every day work is removing toxic materials from the products we bring into our homes and surround our families with.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Reminding myself that in the face of so many complex challenges that our work here at Q Collection & Q Collection Junior is making a difference and is part of the solution.
What is the most rewarding?
Working with my colleagues at Q Collection. It is amazing what happens when you bring together a talented, passionate team working to make a difference in the world.
Of the people you have worked with, who impresses you most?
No question there—my wife and the mother of my son.
What green thing do you do everyday?
We are a member of 1% For The Planet so one percent of our revenues (not profits) goes back to environmental non-profits working on the front lines. 1% For The Planet is now made up of 1,000 companies directing $10 million per year!
What do you wish you could do?
Go for a long hike in the wilderness every morning with my friends and family.
What is your biggest eco-sin?
I am in recovery as a sparkling bottled water drinker...one day at time.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Wow, one thing...I think it would have to be that in every decision we make (collectively or individually) that we consider its likely impact on future generations and the long term health of our planet.
What is your best green advice?
Vote. (Folks that care about the environment vote in lower numbers than then general population …hard to believe).
Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure who are creating a more sustainable world through their work. Meet more Change Makers here.
More on Eco-Friendly Furniture:
How to Go Green: Furniture
Opt for Greener Cushions on Your Furniture
Get the Scoop on Green Wood Furniture
-
- {}
