How to shop for sustainable furniture
What is sustainable furniture?
Put simply; sustainable furniture is furniture that causes minimal environmental and social impact when being made. This includes using recycled and renewable materials, reducing energy and water consumption during manufacturing, ensuring product durability, and considering ethical labour practices throughout the supply chain.
However, the term sustainability is often overused, and many businesses within the furniture industry are attempting to cash in on sustainability, regarding conscious consumerism as a trend rather than a movement for a cleaner planet. It is therefore important to verify any product labels and certifications before you commit to a purchase.
Things to Look for & Avoid When Shopping for Sustainable Furniture
1. Look for sustainable materials.
One of the most important aspects of sustainable furniture design is the choice of materials. 80% of the environmental impact of any product comes from the materials used to make it. Renewable and environmentally friendly materials like bamboo, natural fibres such as cotton, responsibly sourced or reclaimed wood, cork, and recycled materials are good choices when shopping for furniture.
At Casa Negara we have partnered with Mater – Danish furniture brand that was founded in 2006 with the aim of inspiring a global design audience and engaging people into sustainable thinking. The company’s product range includes bar stools, chairs, tables, outdoor furniture, and objects. You can find more information about Mater’s products on our website.
2. Avoid poor quality a.k.a ‘fast furniture’.
People these days tend to approach furniture like fashion, where we can easily change our preferences, rearrange things, and make new purchases. Repairing ‘fast furniture’ can be quite difficult due to its materials. While it's relatively easy to sand and refinish a solid hardwood wardrobe, fixing the surface of a particleboard TV stand with a laminate finish can be much harder, if not impossible.
If you are buying new furniture, try to go for durable, well-built furniture that’s designed to last. “I always recommend that people instead look for pieces that can grow with them and their lifestyle,” Ela says. “So really investing in materials that are going to last, like hardwoods or steel.”
3. Manufacturing process
Look for manufacturers who use sustainable practices, such as recycling, minimising waste, and renewable energy sources. When choosing a manufacturer, it's crucial to consider their environmental impact and the proximity of their facilities. Opting for manufacturers that utilize renewable energy sources or are situated near the material sources can contribute to minimizing the carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing process.
It's worth considering manufacturers who hold sustainability certifications like ISO 14001. This certification serves as an international benchmark for environmental management systems. Here at Casa Negara, we work with Tumidei – an Italian brand with deep respect for the environment and commitment to protecting natural resources correctly using raw materials and saving energy. Check our collection of Tumidei items on our website.
4. Look for low or zero VOC finishes.
When it comes to sustainable furniture, it's not just about the environmental impact. It also has an effect on your home environment, particularly the quality of the air indoors. The materials and chemicals used in furniture production, such as adhesives, paint, and wood preservatives, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Always look for furniture that uses low-VOC finishes, such as water-based paints and stains. These finishes contain fewer VOCs than traditional oil-based finishes.
5. Look for FSC certified wood.
When buying brand new furniture, it's important to ensure that the furniture you're buying has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). By choosing FSC certified wood for your furniture, you can be confident that it supports the local community and workers involved in its sourcing. Moreover, the certification of forest management guarantees that you are investing in a product that adheres to high standards in terms of environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic sustainability.
We highly recommend always verifying that the wood you purchase is FSC certified as it represents one of the simplest and most effective ways to make responsible furniture choices. Reputable furniture companies such as Quadrifoglio offer a wide range of FSC certified furniture including Zefiro Bookcase and Cozy Side Table both made from melamine faced chipboard (MFC) - solely manufactured with 100% recycled wood. If you want to learn more about the FSC labels, check out their website: What the FSC Labels Mean | Forest Stewardship Council
Conclusion
Purchasing eco-friendly furniture might involve a bit more initial effort compared to simply driving to the nearest furniture store. However, it's well worth the investment when you consider the positive impact it can have on your home, your well-being, and the environment.