Green. Eco-friendly. Organically sourced. We’ve all heard these terms before. But what do they mean? In short, they all refer to the sustainability of a product and its impact on the environment. The way things are made, used and reused. When it comes to home décor, it can mean much more than reusing an old milk jug as a flower vase (unless you’re going for the farmhouse look). Grand Home Furnishings breaks down key elements of sustainable furniture for the environmentally-conscious shopper.
Quality that Lasts
A significant component of sustainable furniture is designing something that will last.
Multigenerational use of furniture is the best way to be eco-friendly. Pieces made from quality materials are likely to be more durable. They extend their use, eliminate early disposal, and cut down on environmental waste. Furniture made from cheaper, possibly unsustainable materials gets tossed sooner and is harder to recycle. Think long-term when shopping for pieces. Trendy pieces today and tomorrow probably won’t fit the bill.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Consumers can use their buying power to decrease the use of unsustainable materials. Look for pieces crafted from recycled, reclaimed, or local materials and educate yourself on banned materials.
Responsible manufacturers should choose production methods that don’t involve harmful chemicals, minimize waste, and follow the guidelines that fall within the Forest Stewardship Council certification. Companies that make “eco-friendly” a part of their mission statement are a great sign.
The More You Know
Ultimately, making a conscious decision to buy sustainable furniture is up to consumers. The more you know about the company you are buying from, the materials that are being used, and the overall impact your purchase may have on the environment will make the difference. Repurposing existing furniture is also eco-friendly. Upcycling old pieces or buying antiques or yard sale finds is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Key takeaways:
- Do your homework when shopping for responsibly made furniture
- Buy quality pieces
- Sell, repurpose, or recycle old pieces
With the demand for sustainable materials on the rise, we are likely to see an increase in inventory, selection, and competition in the retail market.
