Environmental and social impacts should be considered right from the design phase
of the piece, such as timber being procured from sustainably managed sources and
fabric that has been ethically made. When the product reaches the end of its life, it
should be easy to break down into recyclable components or be biodegradable.
A manufacturer of genuine sustainable furniture will be open about their
manufacturing processes and supply sourcing and will be endorsed by third-party
certification programs (see page 32).
New Furniture Materials To Look For
WOOD
Wood should be sustainably sourced and FSC rated. If the wood is stained or
polished, make sure the finish is chemical free.
BAMBOO
This incredibly versatile material ticks all the eco-friendly boxes. Bamboo is as
durable as hardwood but with the added advantage of being moisture resistant, light
weight and low maintenance.
RATTAN
Like bamboo, rattan is another plant-based renewable fibre. With durability, strength
and low maintenance, it’s a great option for furniture.
Other renewable materials include cork, natural wicker, wool, natural latex and leather.
Vintage/Recycled/Upcycled Is Eco
VINTAGE
Anything old will have the off-gases already emitted for a lot longer so it’s a safe and
healthy option (and who doesn’t love a statement piece of vintage furniture)!
RECYCLED
The re-use of perfectly functional furniture stops unnecesary dumping, thus reducing
waste to landfill. Natural resources are conserved as fewer raw materials are needed
for the refurbishment process than for the manufacturing of new goods.
Material for recycled furniture needn’t be distressed and old - it can also be clean and
contemporary. It doesn’t only refer to timber; metal, plastic, stone and glass as well.
UPCYCLED
With huge environmental benefits, upcycling is the process of transforming
by-products, waste materials, useless or unwanted products into new, functional
pieces that would otherwise end up as landfill. The aesthetics are fabulous too -
unique, hand-made pieces designed by creative artisans - with a move away from
mass produced machine made products.
16