You may have heard this term used a lot recently, but what does sustainable actually mean? Sustainable furniture design is an effort to address the impact of furniture products on the environment, by considering all aspects of the design and manufacturing process.
The aim is to make a green, well-made product that will last for years and won’t end up in a landfill site.
Why choose sustainable furniture?
- Socially responsible
- More earth conscious and green
- Minimizes use of harmful hazardous substances in production
- Recycled and/or recyclable
- Can create charming, unique furniture
Sustainable materials – what and how
Believe it or not, there are a number of sustainable materials and ways to ensure you are working towards using sustainable practices including:
- Certified sustainable wood
- Furniture made with reclaimed materials
- Bamboo
- Recycled metal and plastic
- Recyclable and can be disassembled
- Look for furniture that’s durable and fixable
- Try to buy local products
Sustainable wood in more detail
If wood is taken care of it can last a long time. When sourcing wooden office furniture, look for the Furniture Wood Certification. The Rainforest Alliance and Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) both certify wood that is reclaimed or has come from sustainably harvested forests, which means that vital areas of woodland aren’t being stripped bare and that new trees replace those being removed. The wood is of good quality and competitively priced.
Recycled metal and plastic
More and more furniture is being made from recycled plastics and metals nowadays. Recycled materials require less processing, fewer resources, and help to support the market for recycled materials. With technology constantly improving, the quality of recycled plastics and metals continues to get better.
What to do with old furniture
You don’t need to feel guilty about getting rid of things you no longer like or need, just make sure that you get rid of them the right way and think about any ways this could benefit the earth and other people. Before chucking it in a skip, think about if it could be used elsewhere, if you know anybody that could benefit from having it such as an employee, friend, someone in the community or a local charity. It doesn’t need to take up lots of your time and effort – there are many free ways of advertising furniture such as popping a quick post on social media, a poster in a local shop, gumtree etc. If you’ve explored all options or the furniture has completely seen its day, then think about how to dispose of it properly.
Making environmentally savvy choices in furnishing your office or home can make a big difference in your impact on the planet and your health. With such an array of options, whether it’s desks, seating or storage, contact us today to discuss all of the sustainable options at Vale Office Interiors.
