How To Choose Eco-Friendly Furniture For Your Home
Furniture is an important decision. You want furniture that is beautiful, comfortable, and durable. If you care about the environment, there are other things to consider.
Furniture made from sustainable materials helps to reduce waste, conserve energy and protect forests and wildlife. This also makes your home healthier for you and your loved ones.
Find eco-friendly furniture that you will be proud to have in your home.
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What makes furniture sustainable?
Furniture that is sustainable is created with consideration for the environment and people. It is made with less resources, produces less waste and does not contain harmful chemicals.
Look for these things when choosing sustainable furniture:
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Materials that can be recycled or renewable
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Non-toxic glues and finishes
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Durable construction for many years
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Fair labor practices during production
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Eco-friendly certifications
By buying better furniture, you can help protect the environment and future generations.
1. Choose Natural and Renewable Materials
Look at the materials that furniture is made of. Natural materials are good for the environment, as they decompose easily and do not release harmful chemicals.
Some good options include:
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Solid wood from certified forest
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Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that renews itself.
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Rattan and Wicker
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Fabrics made from organic cotton, linen, wool or wool
Avoid plastics, particleboards and other synthetic materials, unless they're made from recycled material.
By choosing real, renewable products, you can bring nature safely and permanently into your home.
2. Eco-Friendly certifications are available.
By looking at a product, it's often difficult to determine if it is really sustainable. Certifications can help.
Some of the most trusted certifications are:
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Forest Stewardship Council: Wood from responsibly managed forest
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Furniture with low chemical emissions.
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OEKOTEX: Fabrics free of harmful chemicals
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GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard: Fabrics that meet strict organic rules
These labels are a sign that the product meets strict environmental and health standards.
3. Pick Durable Over Disposable
Furniture that is cheap may be cheaper now, but often it ends up on the landfills after a few short years. Furniture that is made to last will be durable.
You can look for quality by looking at:
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Solid wood frames rather than particle board
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Not just glue or staples, but also strong joints such as mortise-and-tenon
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Feels heavy and solid when you lift it or push it
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Warranty policies that demonstrate the company's commitment to their products
Spending more money on a quality piece will save you money in the long run and reduce waste.
4. Select Non-Toxic Glues and Finishes
Furniture is often coated with harmful chemicals such as paints, sealants, and stains.
The chemicals called VOCs can cause headaches and allergies. They may even have long-term effects on your health.
Look for furniture that:
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Paints or stains that are water-based
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Natural oils and waxes
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No-VOC or low-VOC finishes
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Formaldehyde-free glues
To breathe cleaner air in your home, start by choosing furniture made from safe materials.
5. Buy Recycled and Upcycled Furniture
Recycling or upcycling furniture is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. This gives old materials a new life, and helps keep waste from landfills.
Furniture made of:
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Reclaimed wood from old buildings or barns
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Metal recycled from industrial parts
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Fabric made from re-used textiles or clothing
The pieces that are upcycled are unique. These pieces add character to your home and tell a story that is often missing from mass-produced products.
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(813) 392-1000
6. Support local makers
By buying furniture locally made, you can reduce the amount of energy used for shipping. This also helps your local economy.
Local artisans, woodworkers and furniture manufacturers who are committed to sustainable practices should be sought out.
Locally produced items are usually of higher quality, and often made with greater care.
7. Buy Less, Choose Well
Sustainability is more than what you buy. Sustainability is also about the amount you spend.
Ask yourself these questions before bringing any new furniture into your home:
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Do I need it?
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Will I still be in love with it in a few years?
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Does it match what I have already?
It is often better to choose fewer items of higher quality. This will also make your home more organized and peaceful.
8. Consider the whole life cycle
Think beyond the day that you will bring your furniture home when choosing furniture.
Question yourself:
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How long will the event last?
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Is it possible to repair it if it breaks off?
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What happens when I am no longer using it?
Choose pieces that can be easily repaired, recycled or reused.
Some companies offer furniture take-back programs that refurbish or recycle the old furniture rather than sending it to landfills.
Common Sustainable Furniture Materials Explained
Here's a quick guide to popular eco-friendly products:
Solid Wood
The best wood comes from certified forests. Beautiful, strong, and lasting for many decades.
Bamboo
Grows back fast after harvesting. It is very strong considering its size. It should be treated with no harmful chemicals.
Reclaimed Wood
Recycled wood from old buildings or boats. History and character.
Organic Cotton
No toxic pesticides used in the production. Soft, breathable and suitable for furniture covers.
Recycled metal
Reusing metal is more energy efficient than producing new metal. Excellent for frames and hardware.
Natural Latex
Rubber trees can be tapped without harming the trees. Cushions and mattresses can be made with this material.
It is smart to choose pieces made of these materials to furnish your house with less damage to the environment.
Red Flags You Should Be Aware Of
Not all products labeled as "green" or eco-friendly are truly sustainable. Watch out for warning signs.
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There is no clear information on materials or practices
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Use of synthetic materials and plastics
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Furniture that is light, flimsy or poorly constructed
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Eco-claims are not backed by certification
If a company cannot explain why its furniture is sustainable, then it probably isn't.
What to Look for in Greenwashing
Some brands use "green words" to make their products sound eco-friendly, when they aren't. Greenwashing is the term used to describe this.
Avoid falling for the scam:
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Focus on specific facts and not just buzzwords
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Verify the certifications
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Please read the entire description and not just the taglines
If something sounds too good to true, then it is probably not.
Sustainability in Furniture for Every Room
There are many ways to make your home more sustainable. Here's how:
Living Room
Choose a sofa that has a solid wooden frame, latex cushions made of natural materials, and organic cotton, linen, or wool covers.
Choose a table made of reclaimed wood, bamboo or rattan.
The Bedroom
Buy a frame for your bed made of FSC-certified hardwood.
Select organic mattresses and bedding that is made of organic cotton or wool.
Dining Room
Choose a table made from recycled or solid wood.
Choose chairs made of rattan or bamboo.
Home Office
Choose desks and shelving made from natural, non-toxic material.
Choose a chair made of durable materials and if you can, one that is recycled.
Each choice you make will help to reduce your impact, and create a house that is comfortable inside and out.
Sustainable furniture can help you to take care of your home while also protecting the environment.
Start with small steps, such as choosing natural materials, checking certifications and supporting local producers.
It makes a difference to buy less, choose well and consider the entire life cycle of every piece.
By bringing eco-friendly furnishings into your home you can create an environment that will be safer, healthier and more beautiful in the years to come.