What do you look for when you select furniture? Quality and aesthetics are popular factors. However, today, people are also seeking sustainably sourced materials that won’t harm the environment.
The question is, how do you know which furnishings are eco-friendly? Materials and brands are good indicators. This article will provide guidelines to help you purchase sustainable items that you can feel good about bringing into your home.
What are Sustainable Furniture Materials?
Consumers who can identify environmentally friendly materials can choose furnishings that meet their needs. Here are some to look out for:
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Wood: One of the most well-known natural resources, wood is a popular furniture item that stands out for its durability and biodegradability. For optimal environmental benefits, choose certified sustainable wood sourced from forests managed to prevent over-logging or reclaimed wood.
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Bamboo: This wood alternative is lightweight, fast-growing, and renewable.
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Recycled Materials: All recycled materials are eco-friendly, as they minimize waste and reduce the need for manufacturing.
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Natural Fabrics: Organic cotton, hemp, and linen are just a few examples of biodegradable fabrics made without the use of harmful pesticides.
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Cork: This renewable resource is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree itself.
Get Familiar with Sustainable Brands
You can also ensure your interior design is sustainable by shopping with brands that have a reputation for supporting the environment. In addition to using eco-friendly materials, these brands typically adopt responsible manufacturing practices, minimizing emissions and waste.
Gamma Arradementi is an ideal example. This brand embodies ecological goals, selecting high-quality materials, sustainable production methods, and meticulous craftsmanship that withstands the test of time.
You can tell a brand is environmentally friendly by looking for the following:
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Third-Party Certifications: The Forest Stewardship Council, GREENGUARD, and OEKO-TEX are some certifications that tell you a brand is eco-friendly.
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Local Production: Companies that produce locally significantly reduce their carbon footprint related to transportation.
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Timeless Durable Design: Durable, classic designs won’t need frequent replacement, cutting down on waste and manufacturing.
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Circular Production: Consider sourcing from a company that offers take-back programs and modular designs with interchangeable components that can be repaired, upgraded, or reused.
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Eco-Friendly Shipping: Purchase from brands that use recyclable packaging and flat pack designs to reduce fuel consumption during transport.
Paramus Furniture Will Help You Find Eco-Friendly Items for Your Home
Paramus Furniture offers a range of environmentally friendly furnishings for every room in the home, including the living room, dining room, and home office. We offer a diverse range of modern styles, ensuring you find the perfect item to complement your interior design. Our white glove service includes delivery, assembly, and removal of all packaging material, providing a stress-free process.
Visit our New Jersey showroom or order online to enjoy an updated interior. Contact us to learn more about our products and services.
FAQs
What is the difference between green and eco-friendly products?
Green is a broad term encompassing environmentally friendly practices, while eco-friendly focuses more on products that are safe for the environment.
How would flat-pack furniture be considered environmentally friendly?
Flat-pack furniture allows companies to make more room and pack more into the truck, reducing the need for additional delivery trips and fuel stops.
How to create a sustainable and eco-friendly home design?
Purchasing eco-friendly furniture supports an eco-friendly home design. However, you can take it further by making the most of natural light, investing in high-quality insulation, and using Energy Star appliances.
Which wood is not sustainable?
Although wood is biodegradable and does not emit toxins, certain types of wood should not be used as they are overexploited and often irretrievable. These include ramin, rosewood, ebony, mahogany, brazilwood, lignum vitae, meranti, wenge, merbau, and sapele. Avoid using them on hardwood floors and in table designs.
