From Guest Blogger Laya Cusano: How to Choose Eco-friendly Furniture
There are many ways to go green. In fact, as consumers, we are at the most strategic position. What we consume and demand from manufacturers – today and for the coming years could affect how our planet will hold out in the future.
If you think that buying furniture does not strike a clear and direct connection with the environment, then think again. Furniture not only uses valuable raw materials but its manufacture requires energy resources as well. However, top quality furniture are durable and made to last and in contrast, cheap pieces made from plywood or wood fibre are not meant to last for more than three years. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that disposable furniture is putting an additional strain on landfills.
What’s a homeowner and fledgling interior designer to do? We can’t leave our living spaces cold and barren. We love style, we love fashion, but we also believe in making use of what we have. So, for the sake of the planet and us, as a species, we’ve put together tips in buying eco-friendly furniture.
- Visit second hand shops. We’re a hundred percent sure that you will find pieces that will match your decorating tastes. Sometimes, second hand shops yield more fascinating items than mainstream stores. It’s an adventure and in somewhere in the bric-a-brac, you might find a grand art-deco mirror or a fainting couch. On the other hand, if rummaging through old furniture does not appeal to you, then try sites such as Craigslist or EBay. Words of caution though, make sure you are dealing with a trustworthy seller.
- Look for the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) seal of approval. If the diamond industry has strong rules regarding the ethical procurement of its stones, the furniture industry has standards set by the FSC. This international organization sees through every step of wood processing: from forests to consumers. The FSC not only promotes sustainability but it also ensures that the rights of indigenous cultures are protected.
- Consider hardwood alternatives. Redwood and other hardwood species are exquisite indeed and unfortunately, they are very difficult to replace. Instead, go for hardwood alternatives such as cork, bamboo, and plastic-wood composites.
- And finally, if you are buying new, purchase furniture from a reputable company. As we said earlier, high quality furniture, if cared for properly, will last for decades – if not ages. If we’re going to do something for the planet, then not adding more to the rubbish heap is a fantastic step forward.
Laya Cusano works as the Chief Editor of the Furnished Up Blog. Homeowners and furniture shoppers can rely on her practical furniture advice.
