At Thomas Steele, sustainability isn't just a trend we follow; it's a responsibility we build into every product we make. Our Green Theory reflects a simple belief: the most sustainable site furnishings are those designed with intention, crafted responsibly, and built to last for decades in real-world environments.
By focusing on reducing waste and extending product life, we support healthier outdoor spaces through thoughtful, long-term design.
Sustainability Starts with Smart Material Choices
Choosing the right materials is critical to minimizing environmental impact without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.
Recycled Plastic:
We prioritize the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) made from post-consumer materials like milk jugs and detergent bottles. For example, a single Walden recycled plastic bench diverts the equivalent of 750 plastic milk jugs from landfills.
Benefits:
No sealing, staining, or painting required.
Excellent color retention.
Reduced maintenance over the lifetime.
Resists moisture, rot, insects, and splintering.
Steel:
As one of the most recyclable materials globally, steel forms the backbone of our designs. Our steel is produced in the U.S. using oxygen furnace processes, and our stainless steel products can contain up to 90% recycled material. Steel offers high structural strength and can be recycled without losing quality.
When wood is utilized, it is sourced from responsibly managed forests and undergoes a chain of custody certification process. Wood offers natural warmth, is less responsive to direct sun, and is engineered for superior outdoor performance.
Benefits:
Natural warmth & character.
Strong & stable.
Maintains cooler surface temperature.
Built to Last is Built to Be Sustainable
We believe durability is a foundational and often overlooked aspect of sustainability. By engineering site furnishings for year-round exposure to harsh weather, we:
Reduce replacement cycles and lower material consumption over time.
Minimize environmental impacts associated with transportation and installation.
Create less waste overall by ensuring products don't end up in landfills prematurely.
Manufacturing with Purpose in Wisconsin
Sustainability extends to how we build. By maintaining our manufacturing in Waunakee, Wisconsin, we ensure close control over environmental standards and production efficiency.
Clean Technology: Our facility uses advanced air filtration systems that recycle air rather than exhausting it. We also utilize a thermostatically controlled compressor system to recycle plant heat for office use during winter.
The e-Steele™ Process: All our products are undercoated with our trademarked e-coating, a state-of-the-art epoxy resin water-based paint. This process is environmentally friendly, producing ultra-low VOCs and no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) while providing maximum corrosion resistance.
Domestic Sourcing: To reduce our carbon footprint, we prioritize vendors located within 100 miles of our plant, far exceeding standard requirements for regional material credits.
Low Maintenance, Lower Environmental Impact
Outdoor furnishings shouldn't require constant upkeep to remain functional. Designing for low maintenance means:
Less resource consumption: We reduce the need for frequent refinishing or part replacement, saving labor and material costs for owners.
Sustainability Through Design Integrity
Beyond materials and manufacturing, sustainability is also about creating spaces people want to use and care for. Thoughtful design encourages connection, comfort, and respect for shared outdoor environments. We aim to support "Green" environments by encouraging pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly spaces.
Walk Green: Our benches, planters, and trash receptacles support streetscape programs that make communities more walkable, providing places to rest and signaling that walking is a viable alternative to driving.
Bike Green: Through our Madrax brand of bike parking, we promote biking as an integral part of society. A four-mile trip by bike instead of a car keeps 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air.
Sustainable Placemaking: By offering modular options and timeless aesthetics, our furnishings support spaces that evolve with the community.
Our Commitment Moving Forward
Our Green Theory isn't a static statement; it's an ongoing commitment to do better as materials and processes evolve. We aim to walk respectfully and tread lightly on the Earth, and our goal remains the same:
To create durable, beautiful site furnishings that support outdoor life while minimizing environmental impact, today and for years to come.