Sustainable furniture adds a unique style and functionality to your living space, while helping reduce the environmental impact of your home. The key to sustainable furniture is selecting renewable, nontoxic materials and choosing pieces with longevity to minimize waste.
Look for eco-friendly options like bamboo, cork, and recycled metals. Also, consider repurposed or second-hand furniture, which not only saves money but also keeps materials out of landfills and waste streams.
Materials
When choosing sustainable furniture, look for materials that have a minimal environmental impact. Opt for wood that has been responsibly harvested, and avoid materials that are treated with toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. Look for lines that use recycled or repurposed plastics and metals. Linen furniture is also a great sustainable choice because it is made from a renewable crop that uses minimal resources to grow.
When looking for new furniture, consider secondhand pieces from thrift stores and consignment shops. Reusing old furniture helps keep it out of landfills and reduces demand for more new pieces.
Additionally, choose furniture that is made locally or within a regional scope. This minimizes transportation impacts and supports local economies. Many sustainable furniture brands have multiple sustainability initaitives, including tree planting and supporting environmental nonprofits.
Certifications
Choosing sustainable furniture means looking beyond the style to the materials, certifications, manufacturing process, and durability. It may cost more than shopping at Shein and Fashion Nova, but it’s an investment that benefits your health and the environment.
Choose nontoxic materials like organic cotton, reclaimed wood, recycled metal, and rattan. Check for a Forest Stewardship Council label to verify that any wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
Look for modular furniture designs that can be modified or expanded to match changing needs, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Some brands, like Haiku and MG12, use solid wood materials to create stylish pieces that last for years. When your furniture reaches the end of its life, ensure responsible disposal rather than contributing to overflowing landfills.
Manufacturing Process
As a responsible consumer, it is important to look for furniture that has been crafted with the environment in mind. This includes ensuring that the materials are sustainable and renewable, which minimises environmental impact. It also means looking at the origin of the wood used to avoid indiscriminate deforestation. It is also important to consider the manufacturing process and reducing energy consumption.
Finally, it is important to consider the lifespan of the furniture. It should be designed to last and be durable, avoiding trends that may quickly go out of style. This can also help reduce waste generation by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Additionally, sustainable furniture should be designed for easy repair and disassembly. This allows it to be recycled or decomposed naturally at the end of its life cycle.
Durability
Sustainable furniture is built to last, eliminating the need for frequent replacements. Look for companies that are transparent about their materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chains. They often use local sourcing, which cuts down on energy usage and carbon emissions. They also avoid packaging that can’t be recycled, such as styrofoam and single-use plastic, which contribute to landfill and ocean pollution.
Look for sustainable furniture that uses natural, organic fabrics and non-toxic wood finishes. Savvy Rest and Maiden Home are two good examples of brands that use high-quality, durable materials that minimize environmental impact. Or choose a modular design like Burrow’s that allows you to reconfigure and expand as your needs change, reducing waste. And when it’s time to get rid of your old furniture, look for responsible disposal options that don’t contribute to overflowing landfills.
Design
Modular furniture pieces that are easily dismantled at the end of their lifespan encourage reuse and minimize waste. A movement towards the circular economy also encourages a reduction in the use of virgin materials, such as wood. This prevents the destruction of forests and the illegal logging of endangered species.
The use of nontoxic, renewable and sustainable materials like bamboo, rattan, cork, recycled or repurposed materials and natural fibres promotes healthy indoor air quality. These materials avoid harmful chemicals that are emitted into the environment during off-gassing and production processes.
Supporting local artisans and manufacturers who prioritize eco-friendly practices lowers carbon footprints by reducing transportation emissions. This practice also develops a sense of community and supports a variety of other environmental sustainability principles. The use of recycled and upcycled materials can tell a story that makes your furniture unique and adds character to your home.