As the impact of unsustainable practices begins to show on our planet, more of us are trying to make better choices. And what better place to start than your own home?
In this article, we’re talking about sustainable furniture. w
Read on to learn:
● What is sustainable and eco-friendly furniture?
● Why is it a better option than conventional products?
● How to find genuinely conscious items and avoid greenwashing?
● Where to find information on eco-friendly furniture companies?
What is Sustainable Furniture and Why Should We Care?
In a world of mass-produced items driven by economies of scale, we’ve grown to expect low prices and trendy designs for virtually everything we buy.
Shopping for sustainable furniture means leaving this way of thinking behind. Eco-friendly items are often timeless investment pieces, not spur-of-the-moment buys. However, this doesn’t mean you have to only shop from exclusive luxury brands. In fact, we found more than ten brands that have made sustainability their focus and don’t cost a fortune.
Here is why buying sustainably is a better approach:
Better for the Environment
Producers design desks, bookcases, and couches to sell fast and reduce costs. Maximizing profit is the mail goal.
While there is nothing wrong with making money – after all, this is how companies survive – making it your sole purpose comes with some devastating consequences.
Companies can choose poorly regulated, developing countries for their production. It’s cheap labor, and you can get away with using toxic chemicals. As for the raw materials, why should they care if they’re contributing to deforestation? If the wood is cheap, the profit margin will be more significant.
Eco-friendly furniture is designed with responsibility in mind. Rather than focusing solely on the price tag, producers prioritize minimal environmental impact and ethical production by:
● Choosing wood from responsibly managed forests
● Exploring recycled materials
● Using production systems that minimize waste
● Banishing toxic chemicals from fabrics and finishes
● Paying their workers fair, livable wages
Green furniture is better for the planet and the people who live on it. It’s also better for you:
Safe for Your Health
Sustainable furniture is free from toxins like phthalates (hormone disruptors frequently found in plastics) and formaldehyde (a human carcinogen found in pressed-wood furniture). Non-toxic furnishings are essential for your children’s rooms, as kids are more susceptible to these dangerous chemicals. Toxins are so common in furniture we dedicated a separate article just to this topic.
Unique and Long-Lasting
Eco-friendly furniture doesn’t have to be boring. It can be a statement piece. Rather than buying the same dresser that thousands of others have in their homes, you can have a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind piece that becomes an heirloom.
Durability is a significant factor when it comes to sustainable products. Eco friendly furniture is of higher quality and has a longer lifespan. While it can be an investment up-front, it’s often the better, savvier choice.
What to Look for When Shopping for Eco-Friendly Furniture?
So, you are ready to ditch toxin-laden, environment-destroying items. Here is how to choose genuinely sustainable furniture, rather than buying into any greenwashing:
Eco Friendly Furniture Materials
Just like any eco-friendly product, sustainable furniture starts with quality raw materials. Ask yourself:
● Is the material sustainably sourced? Does it come from a renewable resource, or is it recycled? Choose items made from reclaimed or recycled materials to reduce your environmental impact.
● Where do the textiles come from? Are they natural or synthetic fibers?
● Have the fabrics been treated with any stain or flame-resistant coatings? Both most often contain dangerous chemicals.
● Is the piece or frame made from solid wood or formaldehyde-containing particle board or MDF? Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that off-gasses into the air in your home.
● How about the stain or lacquer? Check that the paint, stain, or finish is water-based. Chemicals found in non-water-based finishes pollute the air in your home and are dangerous to your health.
Often the detailed information is hard to find. That’s where certification programs can guide you, so you know you’re supporting a genuinely eco-friendly company.
Eco Friendly Certifications
With a growing demand for green products comes unfortunate growth in greenwashing. Use third-party certifications to confirm that your purchase is genuinely sustainable. Here is what to look for:
● CARB2 compliance is a national standard for hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fiberboard. It indicates that the material used in the product has minimal amounts of formaldehyde. The chemical was not released into the atmosphere during the production process.
● The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification shows that wood came from responsibly managed forests.
● Rediscovered Wood Certification proves that your furniture contains reclaimed lumber.
● Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certifies that the item can be dismantled, parts replaced, repaired, and recycled. It’s a great way to make sure no part of your items ends up in a landfill.
● Eco3Home means that producers used sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices, and they’re transparent about their items’ safety and environmental impact.
● Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) is a partnership to encourage carpet reuse and recycling.
● The Green Label Plus shows your new carpet emits the lowest amount of chemicals.
● GREENGUARD Certified is a building material and furnishing safety certification. Certified items contain low levels of chemicals, and they don’t impact air quality.
● The Green Housekeeping Seal of Approval is available for materials, paints, coatings, and home appliances. It evaluates the product’s overall impact, from materials to packaging.
● Zero Waste to Landfill programs and certifications encourage companies to minimize the waste they send to landfills.
Shipping
Shopping locally is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. But it also matters how the product makes its way to your house.
Eco-friendly companies favor furniture that can be taken apart and shipped in flat-packed boxes with minimal packaging. This way, trucks are packed full and have to make fewer delivery trips. Companies like Floyd have even figured out how to do this with a sofa!
The SmartWay Transport Partnership is another initiative toward greener shipping. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partnership with the transport industry has already saved 94 million tons of pollution. There are over 3500 participating companies.
How to Find Sustainable Furniture Companies?
Sustainable furniture isn’t as talked about as green fashion, for example. As a result, it can seem like you don’t have that many options. That couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many excellent, eco-friendly companies to buy your new chairs, bookcase, or sofa. Here are some ways to know if you are buying from a reputable company.
Check the SFC Database
The Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC) keeps a database of furniture producers that implement eco-friendly manufacturing practices. The information is searchable, easy-to-navigate, and has comprehensive information on the best practice achievements of each company.
Research the Company
If your potential manufacturer isn’t on the SFC list, there is still plenty you can learn about them with just a few clicks.
Company websites often have a sustainability or environmental impact page, where they outline their efforts. Talk to showroom floor employees, too. If this is a reputable store, they should be aware of the manufacturing practices, certifications, and other achievements.
Conclusion
Sustainable furniture is made with responsibility toward the planet, its people, and your health. By choosing eco friendly items, you are not only supporting the environment but also ensuring a toxin-free home for your family.
Certifications like GREENGUARD or FSC wood help you choose better, greener, safer furniture. Whether you buy from a high-end, fully certified store or your local thrift shop, you are making a difference. Thank you for wanting to make our planet a cleaner and healthier place!