It can be difficult to figure out where to begin when it comes to embracing the long-lasting trend of sustainability in furniture. Which materials are sustainable? Where can I buy eco-friendly furniture? Should I be buying anything at all?
Kelly Collins, the head of creative at Swyft, a sustainable sofa firm, stated that being eco-friendly is all about the materials used to make the furniture, how it is built, and how it is brought to customers.
Collins states that when something is sustainable, it usually means that recycled materials have been transformed into furniture, or else it may be produced out of materials that can be easily regrown. The construction of this item is as eco-friendly as attainable and does not create high amounts of CO2.
When attempting to live sustainably, there are many factors to take into account, so to make things easier we’ve written a comprehensive guide that shows you how to shop for furniture in a sustainable manner, either by refurbishing your current furniture or purchasing new products from responsible producers.
HOW TO BUY FURNITURE SUSTAINABLY – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ENSURE YOUR NEW FURNITURE IS SUSTAINABLE
Collins of Swyft believes that for those who want a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, furniture can be a difficult thing to alter and better.
Many big companies in the furniture sector have a considerable environmental impact due to the production methods used. Collins commented that while not everyone is entirely devoted to a greener future, many individuals are doing their best to implement positive changes with the intention of becoming more eco-friendly.
If you don’t want to buy furniture second-hand or try upcycling, then here’s all the information you need to make sure the new furniture that you buy is as environmentally friendly as it can be.
PURCHASE FURNITURE MADE WITH SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
Daisy Brazil, co-founder of the ecologically tuned-in Planted furniture company, has suggested that the most sustainable option for fabricating furniture is through the utilization of recycled or recyclable natural material. The frames of our couches and chairs are crafted from FSC beech wood and filled with rubberized coconut husk foam (with a natural latex layer), along with padded layers of wool and cotton.
Examining the components that make up something is the most crucial. She suggests that one should not bring plastic or chemical products into their home and advises them to read the label for more information.
Kelly Collins underscores that wood is an ecologically sound material to use for furniture, and is favored by many homeowners. This absorbs carbon dioxide, which decreases the total environment impact of carbon. It is ideal for conserving heat so you will not require as much energy in order to warm your abode. It’s durable and can last a very long time. It can be reused and recycled easily.’
LOOK FOR DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
Kelly suggests that it is essential to use sturdy design, materials and construction that will have a longer life and be less likely to require changing.
Dave Sadler of JB Furniture recommends that customers shop in person in order to get the best possible results. He advises that shopping online can be deceiving and make it difficult to fully assess the quality of what you are buying.
Dave believes that furniture items should be created with the intention of having a long lifespan, and that people should consider this when they are making their purchases. In the furniture industry, one can come across goods that are meant to be short-lived versus those that are designed and constructed to last a long time, and there is no better way to illustrate this than with this example.
CHOOSE FURNITURE THAT CAN BE RECYCLED
James Barker, managing director of Barker and Stonehouse, suggests considering the long term. Before you purchase a mattress, it could be beneficial to think of what will occur when it has passed its life expectancy of 7-10 years. It is worth thinking ahead and determining how you would dispose of this material when the time comes.
In the UK, over 7 million mattresses are disposed of into landfills annually. Barker remarks that an astonishing quantity of mattresses exist, especially when taking into consideration the components like metal springs that can be recycled effortlessly.
Investigate what recycling options from the seller are available before buying your furniture. Barker and Stonehouse, for instance, acquire used mattresses for them to be entirely reused and there are numerous brands that now offer analogous plans.
OR PICK FURNITURE THAT’S MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS
According to Barker, “creating distinctive creations out of materials that would otherwise go to waste is one of the most environmentally conscious options we can go with.”
Furniture made with repurposed resources is a great choice if you are searching for something new that won’t damage the environment.
Monika Lubkowska-Jones, being the creative director of the leading glassware label LSA International, points out that by recycling materials, we can lower the effect of rubbish on nature, as well as the necessity to use up and acquire natural materials.
We have had recycled glass in our inventory for some time, but our understanding of the importance of recycling and buying items crafted from recycled materials that last is increasingly obvious.
PICK A FURNITURE DESIGNER WHO CARES ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
The term greenwashing is often discussed these days – it refers to companies making unsustainable products appear as though they are environmentally friendly. It is essential to have faith in the designers and stores from which you are acquiring and to carefully examine the qualifications. Do your own research too.
Daisy Brazil suggests that anybody searching for green and sustainable pieces of furniture should investigate credentials that prove sustainability instead of relying on assumptions based on vague words. You want the unvarnished truth here, which a genuinely environmentally-friendly company would have no issue with disclosing to you.
Durability and sustainability of furniture can be demonstrated through longer guarantees than the typical ones we find when shopping online. According to Sadler, it is often the case that high-quality furniture that has been well-crafted provides customers with more extended warranties.
Barker suggests that it is beneficial to think of the environmental impact of the furniture that is being purchased. “How far did it have to go in order to get to you? We are very fortunate that there are so many fantastic furniture producers in the UK, and the effect on the environment from purchasing products made locally cannot be overstated.
Jonathan Thomas, a furniture designer, proposes that sustainable practices must originate with the designer. He states that in a world where resources are becoming scarcer and limited, modern craftsmanship and luxury sectors should adapt a more responsible approach in regard to the usage of materials.
Monika Lubkowska-Jones articulates that a designer is responsible for formulating solutions that satisfy both the requirements of the end user and the planet when aiming to create a sustainable future. To evaluate design with respect to its usefulness, durability, components, and wrapping, with the goal of creating products that possess a lasting and intrinsic worth.
Dave Sadler states that companies who are concerned about sustainability will likely search for methods of utilizing recycled and eco-friendly components to construct their items. Additionally, it is wise to check out a company’s “sustainability story” as this info is usually displayed on their website.
Best Places to Buy Sustainable Furniture
1. Avocado
2. Target
It is possible to find environment-friendly furniture options at Target, both in their physical locations and online. If you’re looking at Target’s website, there is a part dedicated to FSC-certified furniture items – these meet the moral standards of the Forest Stewardship Council. Target sells furnishings with non-poisonous coatings or that are created using recycled components.
You have 90 days from the date of purchase to get a full refund for most items if you provide the original receipt. You can easily shop at Target online and get your order ready for pickup at the closest store, or have your furniture delivered to your residence.
3. Room and Board
Room and Board’s aim is to provide not only good craftsmanship, but also enduring patterns made from environmental friendly components. The business employs sustainably acquired wood, used steel, cloth obtained from re-utilized resources, repurposed wood, and recycled plastic to manufacture furniture for all parts inside your residence in addition to your exterior terrace. Although it may not be the most affordable option, the majority (90%) of the products are manufactured in the United States.
You can purchase Room and Board furniture from the organization’s primary location in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as its showroom outlets in 11 states and Washington, DC.
4. West Elm
Almost two-thirds of West Elm’s product sales come from their retail stores in the US, a portion of which contributes towards their sustainability efforts. The organization originating in Brooklyn, New York produces furniture for all the rooms in a house and endeavors to further young creatives, particularly in areas that are not as well known. This business is registered under Fair Trade USA, which is committed to providing reasonable wages, healthy labor conditions, and aid in promoting the growth of the local community.
West Elm gives prime importance to materials that have a minimal effect on the environment in order to cut down on waste, and if it can be done, they opt for recycled or reused elements. The store features a whole area dedicated to environmentally friendly furniture, with items ranging from leather couches to dining tables.
5. Maiden Home
Maiden Home designs its furniture in a New York studio and then has it created by North Carolina-based artisans, who rely on their long-standing skills to manufacture it. Every custom-built item, from couches and loveseats to armchairs, bedframes, and tables, is crafted with extreme attention to detail using environmentally-sourced high-quality materials. Additionally, Maiden Home utilizes fabrics that are constructed without any hazardous chemicals or fire retardants.
Products are offered for sale on the company’s website. People who are uncertain about the dimensions of an item and interested in knowing how it would look in a room have access to numerous guides on the website to assist them in deciding which product is suitable for their area.
6. Inside Weather
At Inside Weather you have the opportunity to shop for your furniture online, tailor it to your exact specifications, then have it sent to you for you to construct.
This company based in Northern California has joined forces with the National Forest Foundation with the aim of planting a tree for each product bought from them. This will help preserve animal living spaces, secure healthy sources of water, and combat global warming. The firm works hard to find materials that are eco-friendly and safe for use in residential settings.
7. Rove Concepts
Rove Concepts, a business that is located in the Pacific Northwest and that deals in furniture, provides a selection for each room, plus items for decoration like area rugs and lamps. The business began by solely planting trees and then expanded its sustainability efforts as it developed. This company currently produces textiles from non-poisonous substances, bamboo, vegan microfiber, and timbre from the Forest Stewardship Council, which has been sourced from repurposed, salvaged, or recycled supplies.
The firm offers its wares over the internet and has a store in Los Angeles, California. By signing up for a yearly subscription to the Rove Members Program, you can procure a 20 percent reduction on the overall prices of all items for purchase on the website.
8. Haiku Designs
The makers of Haiku Designs strive to provide customers with a Zen Modern Lifestyle by helping them construct spaces that feature minimalist design and improve their wellness. The company specializes in utilizing supplies from sustainable origins and produced from reclaimed or recycled materials for use in bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, and for creating stylish external spaces.
People really like the platform beds that the store offers, with many different types, like canopy and floating. This company is solely virtual, but fortunately provides Haiku Designers that can assist in finding the perfect items for your room.
9. Sabai
Sabai feels that you do not have to give up your ideas in order to purchase top notch furniture. This implies that these home items that are good for the environment are created without using severe chemicals. The Sabai Revive program allows individuals to exchange existing Sabai pieces for a new one, or even discover a pre-owned one, ensuring that every section of the item’s journey is tracked, thus reducing the amount that would usually conclude up in landfills. The company furthermore has components to revitalize your items and packages its items with packaging that is not manufactured from plastic.
Sabai has a collection of both reasonably priced and domestically produced sofas, chairs, and decorative home items constructed of reused and organic materials. The custom online shop provides fabric swatches without a charge so you can pick the perfect patterns for your home and lifestyle.
10. Joybird
Joybird, a furniture maker, guarantees that the items offered will be healthy for your family, consisting of responsibly sourced maple, walnut, and cherry wood. The organization utilizes environmentally-friendly and low-level hazardous materials to complete their products and additionally gives customers a way to purchase already-used items, preventing them from getting discarded in dumps. Additionally, for every purchase made from the business, tree-planting initiatives for reforestation and restoration are supported.
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