Buying Eco-Friendly Furniture Helps Support The Environment

When shopping for furniture, it is important to keep the environment in mind. Choosing furniture that is designed in an eco-friendly way allows you to do just that. Below are ten suggestions on how to go about finding environmentally friendly furniture pieces to add to your home:

Choose Pieces That Are Designed To Last

High-quality pieces of furniture can last for decades and are often passed down through multiple generations. Unlike throw-away furniture that you can buy at big-box stores, these pieces are designed to last. That means that they are less likely to wind up in your local landfill. It is worth spending a little bit more money on furniture to buy pieces that are made with superior craftsmanship. By doing so, you can save money in the future while at the same time protecting the environment.

Buy Fewer Pieces

Your house doesn’t have to be stuffed to the brim with furniture and accessories. Instead, you should only buy pieces that you truly need. This can not only minimize your personal impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste that you produce but it can also create an open, welcoming space to live that is free from clutter and distractions. Consider looking for furniture pieces that can serve multiple purposes to get the most bang for your buck.

Choose Furniture Made From Sustainable Resources

Trees play a key role in sustaining the environment. Sadly, human activities such as logging have resulted in deforestation in many parts of the world, upsetting the delicate balance of the earth. The best way to avoid contributing to this problem is by choosing furniture pieces that are made from sustainable resources. For instance, you may want to consider buying furniture that is crafted from reclaimed wood or from wood that is logged in an eco-friendly way.

Look For Furniture Pieces That Reuse Old Materials

Using recycled materials to build furniture is a great way to minimize the overall impact of the furniture building industry on the environment. Not only should the furniture you buy be made from recycled building materials but it should also be recyclable itself. You can check to make sure that a piece of furniture meets these requirements before buying it by looking for the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certification.

Choose Furniture Made from Recyclable Materials

When you are done using a piece of furniture, you should be able to recycle it. The good news is, there are many pieces of furniture out there that are designed with the environment in mind. These pieces are easy to disassemble and can be fully recycled rather than being dumped into the landfill.

Consider Buying Furniture That Is Made From Bamboo

Unlike trees which can take decades or centuries to grow, bamboo grows extremely quickly. It is ready to harvest in a matter of just a few years. That means that after it is harvested, a new crop can be planted right away, helping to replace it in very little time. Not only is bamboo fast-growing but it is also extremely durable. It can be used in a variety of different ways in the home ranging from flooring to furniture.

Despite all of the benefits that bamboo has to offer, there are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind. First, glue is often used when building bamboo furniture. You need to make sure that whatever glue was used in the pieces you are buying is non-toxic and eco-friendly. The other thing to remember is that bamboo is a water-intensive crop that can leave the soil depleted of nutrients.

Reclaimed Wood Furniture Is An Eco-Friendly Option

When old buildings, fences, or other structures are torn down, the wood can often be recycled and remade into furniture or accessories. Furniture that is made from reclaimed wood often has a lot of charm and character. That means that you can get a beautiful piece of furniture while at the same time supporting the environment.

Buy Furniture that will Last

Purchasing quality furniture that is a long lasting style can make all the difference. Mid century furniture never goes out of style and is a design classic, meaning you don’t need to replace it to stay in style – check out the Rove Concepts selection.

Pay Attention To The Chemicals Used During The Furniture Building Process

Oftentimes, chemicals are used during the process of building furniture. In some cases, these chemicals can continue releasing gas into the air. Referred to as offgassing, this process can be harmful in some situations. For instance, furniture that is made with formaldehyde can continue to give off toxic fumes long after the construction process is completed. In order to ensure that the pieces you choose are as non-toxic as possible, keep your eyes open for the Greenguard seal. Greenguard certification helps ensure that the products that were used during the furniture building process are as safe and non-toxic as possible. You should also consider looking for furniture that has been upholstered with organic cotton or other fabric that has not been chemically treated.

Avoid Furniture With Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are applied to furniture in a powdered form. Over time, they can fall out of the furniture, winding up in your carpeting or being spread throughout your home. Although these chemicals are designed to improve safety, there is very little research to back up their effectiveness. Instead, if your furniture happens to catch fire, it will still burn. The primary difference is that toxic fumes will be released into the air. When choosing furniture, look for pieces that are made with untreated natural fibers rather than synthetic materials or materials that have been treated with flame retardants.

Know What You Are Buying

As with any major purchase, it is worth educating yourself before you buy eco-friendly furniture. Learn as much as you can about what to look for when you shop and always be sure to find out how any pieces were made before you add them to your home.