Furniture can have a huge impact on the environment, and it’s important to choose sustainable materials. Look for certifications like FSC or GREENGUARD, which test for chemical emissions and indoor air quality.
Sustainable materials are renewable and natural and reduce environmental harm. Consider bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, recycled metal, and organic fabrics such as cotton or hemp.
Recycled Materials
Sustainable furniture is made with eco-friendly materials and has less environmental impact throughout manufacturing. Look for materials like reclaimed wood, recycled plastics, and recycled metal to reduce the need for new resources and reduce pollution.
Vegetable fibers, like organic cotton and bamboo, and animal-derived fibers, like wool and silk, are other nontoxic options. Natural fabrics such as these are often sourced through Fair Trade-certified factories to promote ethical practices and help support local economies.
Look for furniture designed to be easily disassembled and recycled at the end of its life. Avoid products that contain different materials irreversibly glued together, as these are difficult to sort and recycle.
Eco-Friendly Paints
In addition to low- or no-VOC formulations, eco-friendly paints offer various colour options. Whether you want a matte or metallic finish, sustainable paints provide a wide array of colours that can be sealed with weather-resistant options.
This USA-made brand offers a variety of organic paints with a transparent ingredient list. These water-based paints are low in VOCs and odour and can cover more surface area than traditional products. They can be used on furniture, walls, doors and windows. They also work with natural plant oils and waxes (like pure tung oil, walnut oil, hemp oil and carnauba wax) to stain wood pieces without the chemicals found in chemical-based stains.
Eco-Friendly Finishes
When shopping for eco friendly furniture products, look for low-quality finishes in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals release hazardous gases into the air and can harm your health.
Consider choosing a wood furniture piece that uses reclaimed timber, FSC-certified wood, or other environmentally sustainable sources. Also, select wood pieces treated with nontoxic finishes and oils.
Natural rubber foam cushions, like those made from Dunlop latex, are more eco-friendly than traditional polyurethane. Natural latex is a renewable resource and is harvested without the need for pesticides, genetically modified crops, or deforestation. Look for Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification for the cleanest options.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Using eco-friendly fabrics reduces your furniture’s environmental footprint and gives you a sense of self-satisfaction that you’ve contributed to greener living. Look for materials certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
These fabrics contain organic fibers, low water usage and are biodegradable. They’re perfect for upholstered pieces.
Another option is to use recycled fabrics. These fabrics are made from items such as soda and cotton bottles that have been repurposed into new materials. These fabrics are lightweight and comfortable to sit on. They’re also incredibly affordable.
Eco-Friendly Woods
Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, making investing in sustainable furniture that won’t contribute to toxin buildup or environmental damage important. Look for renewable and nontoxic materials like bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood and recycled metals.
Look for certifications and labels like FSC, Cradle to Cradle, GOTS, Greenguard and Energy Star to ensure your furniture is sourced responsibly.
If you want to go even further, choose furniture made locally. This can reduce emissions from transportation and support local economies. Look for repurposed or recyclable packaging to avoid contributing to landfill and ocean pollution. You should also avoid styrofoam and single-use plastic, which can’t be recycled.
Eco-Friendly Metals
Eco-friendly furniture often uses recyclable materials. Look for metals like recycled aluminium or steel and reclaimed wood. Additionally, look for a company that ships their products flat-packed to reduce the gas used for shipping.
Sustainable materials also minimize toxic chemicals that off-gas in your home or office. You can also choose furniture made with hemp or organic cotton, which require fewer chemical inputs to grow than conventional cotton.
Finally, choose furniture that is durable and can be easily repaired. This reduces the need to purchase a new piece, which in turn cuts down on waste. Look for furniture with an Environmental Product Declaration, which communicates transparent and comparable information about the environmental impact of a product.
Eco-Friendly Composites
When shopping for sustainable furniture, look for materials that require minimal chemicals and processing. Choose renewable and nontoxic materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and organic cotton. Also, buy furniture that uses natural fiber, such as wool or silk, instead of synthetics like polyester and acrylic.
Avoid upholstered pieces that contain flame retardants, as these chemicals are linked to cancer and other health issues. Alternatively, purchase furniture with a Cradle to Cradle or OEKO-TEX 100 certification, proving the fabric is safe for humans and the environment.
Look for locally sourced materials, as this reduces shipping waste and energy usage. Buying locally also keeps money in the community and supports skilled artisans.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Plenty of eco-friendly furniture packaging options include recycled materials and plant-based products. However, some companies may make misleading claims about the sustainability of their packaging. This is known as greenwashing, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
Look for eco-friendly packaging that can be recycled or composted. Avoid styrofoam and single-use plastics, which contribute to landfill and ocean pollution. Choose packaging made with local sourcing to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions.
Online marketplaces are another great resource for buying used packaging supplies. Many people are willing to sell their old boxes and other packing supplies to get eco-friendly shipping supplies at a fraction of the cost.