A-19's commitment to society
As a values-driven company, A-19 has placed an emphasis on improving the quality of life of our customers, our employees, the community, and the environment. Being socially and environmentally conscious has allowed us to create a green facility in which we can make a lighter impact on the earth by producing environmentally-sound products. We have also been able to give back to the community and improve working conditions in the U.S. and around the world.
Environmentally-Sound Products
A-19 creates lighting fixtures with the environment in mind. We take pride in using organic clay and recycling the scraps for another batch. Our glazes are lead-free. Packing materials such as boxes and bubble wrap are reused from post consumer waste. Even our office is environmentally conscious. We like to have a paperless office and in turn, utilize technology in our process of creating lighting fixtures.
A Green Facility
From the start, we have been a green facility. In doing so, we have developed our production processes and office processes in that manner. Being in Ontario, CA we do not use any type of heating or air conditioning in our warehouse or office. We do not use machines, robots, or conveyor belts in production. Every ceramic lighting fixture is hand made.
Giving Back To The Community
At A-19, we try to make a difference in our community. We impact it in such a way that is beneficial to everybody. Once a year, we have Ceramic Day which invites kids to come and actually take part in the production process. By saying thank you, we like to offer them pizza and soda. We are also planning to have a mural painted by kids in the near future. Our trade show 'leftovers' are donated to the Habitat For Humanity. The artist, Cinnamon Alvarez, also takes it upon herself to give back to the community in a variety of ways. She teaches Jazzercise in two different cities at parks, recreational programs, and community centers. The Jazzercise franchise took part in a September 11th fundraiser for the Red Cross. Cinnamon takes part in other fundraising activities as well such as going on a bike tour to help raise money for M.S. She donates to the Humane Society and also involves herself in other non-profit organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
A Lighter Impact On The Earth
To lower our impact on the planet, we are constantly reducing the amount of waste we create. We are involved in a recycling program where we can recycle our waste such as unused wire. Cardboard is also taken to the recycling center. In another effort to give back to the community or to help others, we often let the homeless or less fortunate families take care of the recycling and reap all the benefits. Our office is also leaving a lighter impact on the earth. All the paper that is used is printed on both sides in an effort to minimize it's use.
Improving Working Conditions
A-19 has established itself as an advocate of human rights by joining the attempts to help improve working conditions for laborers in the U.S. and around the world. We provide U.S. labor and do not manufacture in sweatshops or support or do business with any company which does. We pay a fair U.S. wage with both sick and vacation benefits. One thing that we cannot stress enough is that we treat each and every employee like a member of the family.