Choosing sustainable furniture is one of the best things you can do for the environment. Not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, but it also prevents deforestation and protects the planet.
Sustainable furniture is made from recycled materials and wood from sustainably sourced forests. Moreover, it contains no harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds.
Saves money
When shopping for eco-friendly furniture, you can save money in two ways: through savings on manufacturing costs and by keeping on the number of materials you use. Sustainable furniture makers can often source materials from local sources, which helps reduce the transportation costs associated with importing wood from overseas.
Reclaimed wood is another common material used by manufacturers of eco-friendly furniture. It can come from old homes, factories, or other structures that have been mishandled over the years.
This sustainable furniture also offers lower prices since it’s made from recycled material. You can expect to pay less for this type of furniture than non-eco-friendly items, and the makers can pass those savings on to their customers.
Buying new, eco-friendly furniture is also an excellent way to support local businesses and companies that make their products in the United States. It reduces the energy required for transportation and the emissions produced when furniture is shipped abroad.
In addition, buying eco-friendly furniture can help prevent deforestation. When companies cut down forests, it leads to soil erosion and contributes to global climate change. Best eco-friendly furniture brands typically use fewer chemicals, making it safer for your family to live and breathe in. You’ll avoid harmful VOCs, such as formaldehyde, linked to cancer and other illnesses.
Reduces your carbon footprint
Choosing eco-friendly furniture can have many benefits for your health and the environment. It can reduce the growth of landfills, improve indoor air quality, and use fewer resources than traditional furniture. It can also save you money in the long run.
One way to go green is to buy furniture that has been manufactured using energy sources that do not produce carbon emissions. It includes electricity from renewable sources like hydro plants or solar power. Alternatively, you can buy sustainable wood furniture sourced from forests managed to the highest environmental standards.
Another way to make your furniture more sustainable is to buy products that have a longer lifespan. It helps to reduce the number of raw materials needed to create new items, which can decrease the amount of energy used during production and transportation.
It’s also essential to find products that can be recycled and reused if they become outdated or unused. It is an excellent way to minimize your furniture’s environmental impact and create a more circular economy.
Urban Wood Goods is an excellent example of a sustainable furniture brand, which manufactures handmade eco-friendly furniture designed for modern-rustic aesthetics. They offer a wide range of 100% old-growth wood options and can customize your order to fit your needs.
Norwegian brand Vestre has introduced Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all of its outdoor furniture, listing CO2 emissions and other vital details alongside the price. These EPDs are intended to foster greater transparency in the furniture industry and encourage consumers to make more sustainable purchase decisions.
Prevents deforestation
Buying furniture made from renewable sources or recycled materials helps limit deforestation. Cutting down trees to create new wood products contributes to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Mass-produced plastic furniture also causes harm to wildlife and the environment through pollution and landfill disposal. It also releases harmful chemicals into the air that can contaminate our water supply.
Using timber from tropical forests to make furniture significantly contributes to deforestation. Besides, trees can take decades to regrow after being cut down.
Instead of importing wood from tropical forests, look for furniture that is made with wood from coniferous trees like pine and cedar. These trees grow back faster than non-coniferous wood and can be harvested with little or no deforestation.
Many eco-friendly furniture companies use reclaimed or recycled materials to create their products. It is a great way to save resources and money while preserving the earth’s natural beauty.
Some brands also plant a tree for every product sold. It is a great way to support sustainable practices while ensuring that the furniture you buy will last you and your family for a long time.
If you want to purchase eco-friendly furniture, check for the following labels: Cradle to Cradle, Eco3Home, and Forest Stewardship Council certification (FSC). These tags guarantee that the wood used in your product was harvested responsibly.
Keeps your family healthy
If you want to make sure your family is healthy and safe, it’s vital to buy eco-friendly furniture. It has many benefits, including reduced CO2 emissions, environmental impact, and contributions to a circular economy.
Buying environmentally friendly furniture also helps you save money in the long run. It reduces the need for more expensive energy to heat and cool your home. In addition, it prevents the release of toxins into the air, which can cause respiratory issues and other health concerns.
One of the best ways to get eco-friendly furniture is to look for FSC-certified wood and other sustainable materials. It will ensure that the material was sourced from a responsibly managed forest and was not derived from a tree felled for commercial reasons.
Another vital factor to consider is the manufacturing process of the product. Many green companies have close-looped supply chains that minimize waste and pollution during production. It will ensure that the product is created using minimal carbon emissions and less water.
Another great way to ensure you’re getting an eco-friendly product is to ask questions. Ask the showroom employees about the company’s sustainability practices and certifications. They should be able to answer your questions quickly and clearly.
