If you are on a mission to Go Green, an ideal place to start from is your home. Look at the furniture around you and consider the different ways you can go eco-friendly. No home is complete without furniture and you can make a huge difference to the environment by choosing eco-friendly furniture for your home. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.
Choose heirloom quality furniture
The best eco-friendly furniture is the one which is kept out of the landfill. Think of your grandfather’s dining room set that has been passed down to the generations. This is the type of furniture which is built to last. When you purchase less and invest a little more money in the furniture, it will save the environment in the long run.
Have a minimal mentality
The consumerist mentality is seriously crippling the environment. When you own less, you will be cutting back on the contribution of waste and it will reduce your carbon footprint. When you have a minimalist mentality, you will believe in “less is more” and you can cut down on buying pieces that are not necessary. You need to choose furniture that is practical and multipurpose.
Choose furniture made from sustainable wood
Trees are very important to maintain the balance on Earth and deforestation has devastated the natural resources. Hence, when you are looking for green furniture options, you need to look for wooden furniture which has been created from sustainably harvested forests and tree farms.
Look for products made with recycled materials
When materials are recycled, they need less processing and minimal resources as compared to what is needed for producing new materials. Hence, when you buy products out of recycled materials, it helps to support the market for the materials. However, you need to be very clear about what recyclable means. Avoid products that cannot be recycled.
Choose bamboo furniture
Bamboo is a very sustainable material that is durable and is easy to work with. It is highly versatile and can be used in furniture and for flooring. The article “Bamboo Furniture: Your Guide to Green Style” from Modern Digs Furniture explains that because bamboo is a grass, it can be harvested again and again without having to be replanted. Bamboo furniture is held together by glue and does not contain any harsh or toxic chemicals.
Low toxicity
There are some materials that are used to create furniture and they are made with chemicals that continue to release substances in the air and this process is known as offgassing. Some chemicals could be harmful while many others may not be. However, chemicals like flame retards is very common and are the most toxic. It is widely used in the furniture industry. Look for brands that use minimal chemicals and are low in terms of toxicity. You need to buy furniture that has been treated with natural substances or simply left untreated.
Flame retardant free
Flame retardant is different from other chemicals and it simply falls out of the upholstery. It happens because they are powders that get mixed with dust and then fall off around the house. They are used to keep you safe but they are only known to releasing toxic fumes while the couch burns away. You need to avoid products that are built with foam. Choose natural latex or wool instead. You can check with the manufacturer if any flame retardants have been used.
Do your research
Always do your research before you purchase any furniture. Ask as many questions as you have and scout the market for the best pieces. Do not be afraid to clearly ask the manufacturer about the type of materials or chemicals used in the making of the furniture. Familiarize yourself with different certification terms and look for them when you are scouting the market. Ask inquire about which recycled materials have been used in them.
While you are at it, try to ensure that the old furniture in your house is recycled in the best possible manner. Consider the possibility of recycling it and selling away the recycled material to a manufacturer. You can ask a manufacturer to take a look at your old furniture and provide alternative ways to recycle it. By simply using eco-friendly furniture in your home, you can make a huge difference to your wallet and to the environment. Understand different materials and their impact on the environment before you decide to buy any furniture.