
Most people are aware of the need to help protect the environment, so a growing number of consumers are demanding eco-friendly furniture. Manufacturers are responding to their customers’ concerns and have begun making more furniture that fits that description. People that are just beginning to live a green lifestyle, however, find choosing eco-friendly furniture can be rather confusing. Here are a few basic pieces of information that may help clear up some of the mystery.
What Is Eco-Friendly Furniture?
Furniture that is built from sustainable woods and vegetation, recycled materials and reclaimed resources is considered eco-friendly. Pieces that use non-toxic glues and water based stains and paints are included in this category as well. The less chemicals involved in the manufacturing of the furniture, the more eco-friendly it is.
If you are shopping for wood furniture, choose pieces that are made from wood that is renewable or reclaimed. Many manufacturers have now agreed to plant new trees to replace any trees that are cut for use in their furniture. It’s best to avoid woods from tropical rainforests unless there is proof that the wood was harvested legally and will be replanted. Look for pieces that have certification from the Forest Stewardship Council, also known as the FTC.
Furniture that is built from reclaimed wood, that is, wood that was used to make something else first, is another green option. By taking wood that was originally part of an old structure and giving it new life, it allows less new lumber to be cut and helps reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
For upholstered pieces, look for companies that do not used petroleum based foams in the cushions. Instead, try to find more energy-efficient alternatives like soy or corn based products. Just a few of the eco-friendly upholstery options available include organic cottons, hemp, jute, and wool.
Try Recycled Furniture
There are now many available furniture pieces made from recycled materials. There is upholstery that has been woven from recycled plastic bottles and tables and chairs constructed from recycled metals. One of the easiest ways to use recycled furniture, though, is simply to use furniture that already exists. Whether you take grandma’s old end tables and refurbish them or shop at stores that specialize in furniture that has been restored, you will help reduce the huge amount of wasted materials that end up in landfills. Recycling furniture is a great step in helping the environment, plus you’ll save money in the process.
Are you worried that eco-friendly furniture will be unattractive or won’t blend with your decorating style? Fortunately, that isn’t usually the case. You’re not restricted to drab colors or boring styles. Manufacturers are designing furniture that is both stylish and environmentally safe. Once you start exploring the world of eco-friendly furniture, you’ll discover a growing array of decorating choices when looking for bedroom furniture, dining room furniture, living room furniture, etc. You can easily express your personal style in your home furnishings and still make “green” your favorite color.