Sustainable Furniture
How to Find Sustainable Furniture
Finding sustainable furniture all begins with research. It’s easy for companies to claim their furniture is green or eco-friendly, but many organizations now certify sustainable furniture materials. Ultimately, to be sustainable, the furniture should be high-quality and made of reasonably sourced materials. If the piece will fall apart and end up in a landfill, it's not sustainable.
Educate yourself about these certifications and what qualifies furniture as sustainable, and you’ll be able to make smart decisions regarding your furniture purchases.
What Are Sustainable Furniture Materials?
Sustainable furniture materials include a variety of resources, from reclaimed wood to LED lights. The type of material, as well as how it was obtained, factor into its sustainable classification. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), for example, certifies wood as sustainably harvested. Sustainable, responsible harvests ensure that the natural ecosystem remains in place and is able to maintain itself. As a result, the forest continues to grow and produce wood. Tree farms and forests are examples of areas that qualify for certification.
Recycled and Reclaimed Materials
Some eco-friendly furniture companies use reclaimed or recycled materials, like wood, glass and iron, to create sustainable furniture. Old furniture, homes and other structures often provide the reclaimed items. Companies have even used flawed wood pieces or factory wood scraps for their sustainable furniture. Wood is a popular choice for manufacturers because it’s durable, even if it’s been mishandled throughout the years. Reclaimed pine, for example, is a popular finish for the Cristallo table.
The Rainforest Alliance helps determine if a piece of furniture actually uses reclaimed wood. The non-profit organization provides the Rediscovered Wood Certification to qualifying furniture pieces. Sustainable furniture may also be certified Cradle to Cradle (C2C), which in part says that the furniture can be dismantled. Its individual parts can be recycled at a facility or reused in other furniture. Easy furniture disassembly also allows for quick and easy repairs, which extend the life of the piece.
Furnishings consisting of recyclable materials, like most plastics or metals, help eco-friendly furniture companies by saving them from purchasing additional resources.
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