If you are someone who is very conscious of the environment in many things you do, then going green with your furniture is something you may want to consider. You care about the planet and don’t want to make decisions that will have a negative impact on the environment.
If you have not already gone green with your furniture and want to do so, you may be interested in some of the basic concepts to help you search for companies that specialize in it. At this stage of the game, a lot of furniture is pretty high-end stuff but you can still find something that is cost-effective. Some brands such as GUS modern furniture are also known for their affordable yet environmentally conscious approach.
Let’s take a look at how you can go green with your furniture.
1. Use Of Reclaimed Material
Wood can actually last for a long time, especially if you take care of it. Even if you do not, it will still pretty much last quite long. That means there is a lot of wood that is out there that can be used. Old furniture and houses are pretty good sources. You can even get reclaimed wood from logs that may have sunk while they were being floated to their destination. Wood from these and other sources, of which there are many more, can be used to make furniture.
2. Bamboo
Bamboo can be small or large and they are fast-growing perennial evergreen plants. Bamboo is also a versatile material and can be made into flooring, furniture, window blinds and much more. In fact, depending on where you are, you could even build houses with it! If you have never seen bamboo furniture, do a search and check it out. They are pretty amazing!
3. Metal & Plastic
Furniture can be made using recycled materials such as metal and plastic. This means that fewer resources are used and it requires less processing. Have you ever seen the Icon Chair? These are quite modern-looking, stylish and stackable and they are pretty sexy too! They are made from 80 percent recycled aluminum and are pretty cool and eye-catching. They even have a lifetime warranty. That means a lot of these recycled furniture can actually last you a lifetime.
4. Ability To Disassemble
Any eco-friendly furniture worth its salt should be easily disassembled. This makes it easier for repairs and maintenance and also recycling, should you decide to recycle it in a few years. Once these furniture have used up their ‘lives’, it helps if they are easily taken apart as it makes it easier to sort, organize and eventually recycle. Keep this in mind, because if you buy furniture that cannot be easily taken apart, then you can assume that any repairs it needs to undergo will be a pretty difficult undertaking.
5. Look For Durability
Many people who decide to go for green products, including green furniture, do not take into account the furniture’s durability. If it’s strong and tough, then the chances of it ending up in a landfill are reduced. If you buy durable furniture, it can be passed on to someone else.
Consider getting smaller and even foldable furniture. Quite a few people like the idea of being minimalists and besides, you can also save space. Imagine a coffee table transforming into a dining table if required! Whenever something isn’t needed, it can be stored away until the next time.