How to Choose Eco-Friendly Furniture

You can play a role in adopting a green and sustainable lifestyle in many ways. While some prefer recycling their shopping bags or saving water by taking short showers, you can take the route of buying eco-friendly furniture. The concept of eco-friendly furniture has become a popular sustainability movement, attracting several innovative designers. While it provides diversity, variety makes it difficult to settle on your options. Below are some tips for choosing eco-friendly furniture.

1.    Adopt a minimalist mentality

A minimalist mentality follows a "less is more" perspective. Owning fewer items, including furniture, significantly reduces the amount of waste collected, eventually decreasing your carbon footprint. You can reduce the number of pieces at home by buying practical and multipurpose units. For instance, a low stool can double as another seat or a side table.

2.    Buy furniture made from recycled materials

Recycling is among the top priorities of maintaining a green environment. Recycled materials require less processing and few resources than producing brand new furniture. Buying furniture made from recycled products supports the market for these materials and promotes the green economy at large. 

3.    Buy furniture made from certified sustainable wood

Trees and other plants are integral to maintaining the earth's balance. Unfortunately, continuous deforestation and unsustainable wood harvesting practices have destroyed natural resources. When searching for furniture options, only buy furniture made from wooden furniture sourced from sustainably harvested tree farms, forests, or reclaimed wood.

4.    Buy furniture that can be recycled

Besides buying furniture made from recycled products, prioritize pieces that can be recycled as well. All eco-friendly furniture should be recyclable. Simply look for furniture options that can be disassembled for recycling if they age. Recyclable furniture minimizes landfills, as they can be repurposed.

5.    Buy furniture with low toxicity

Some furniture materials contain chemicals that release dangerous compounds into the air. Common harmful chemicals found in furniture materials include flame retardants and formaldehyde.You should buy eco-friendly furniture made from materials that release very low amounts of hazardous gasses. The best way to reduce this danger is buying untreated furniture, such as those made from natural wood or those treated with natural chemicals. Couches upholstered with organic cotton are less toxic.

6.    Buy bamboo furniture

Bamboo is a sustainable material that is durable, easy to work with, and grows very fast. It is also a versatile construction material, as it can be used in the flooring and building of modern furniture.

7. Research Extensively 

You should do your research before buying eco-friendly furniture. Ask around to verify the furniture pieces before making the purchase. For instance, ask where the wood used to make the furniture came from and the chemicals used to treat the pieces. You should also learn about various certifications, such as BIFMA and Greenguard.

Endnote

Furnishing your home or office using environmentally-friendly options can significantly improve your health and the environment. However, despite the popularization of green options, finding eco-friendly furniture may be challenging. Fortunately, you can consult modern furniture solution providers, such as https://d3home.com/, for the best eco-friendly furniture options.