Recycled Furniture

Before you buy your next couch, chair or loveseat, you should consider the actual cost of that furniture. Not only in terms of the price, which is fairly outrageous, but in terms of the environmental costs as well. Is that furniture made from hardwood trees that are endangered? How far away did the materials come from to make this furniture? What kind of finishes are on this furniture? Is it toxic?

Now, the benefits of using recycled materials include: lower price, less environmental impact and in some cases, a move away from the generic, everybody has the same look you get in most furniture stores.

Where Do I Start?

Start in your own home. Do you have a table that can be repurposed as a desk? A desk that could be a side table? Do you have a chest that could double as a coffee table? Repurposing furniture saves you the cost of buying new, as well as the time and energy to hunt down the right choice. Be creative with your choices. Everybody has at least one furniture item that is just sitting in a corner with no real purpose to fulfill. Allowing the piece to be moved into another room will save you from having to buy something new and will save the furniture you do have from going to waste.

If you absolutely cannot find something that will work in your own home, then it is time to head to the thrift stores, the flea markets and tag sales for your choices. Make sure that all furniture has been sanitized and sterilized and wipe down all items before bringing them into your home to be absolutely safe. Most of us read the story of the kitten that was sold to the couple as a "bonus" in the couch they had just bought.

What are the Risks?

Sit on every chair. Wiggle furniture around and decided whether you can repair any imperfections or whether you are wasting your time and energy by buying this item. Remember, it is not green if you are wasting either.

What if I Want New Furniture?

Make sure that you are looking for sustainable furniture materials like bamboo, rather than traditional hardwoods like cherry and oak. Keep in mind that material and finish choices should be green as well. Ask the furniture salesperson as many questions as possible, if they do not know and are unwilling to find out, shop somewhere else. Remember, you dictate policy by your wallet, so if you are willing to take your business elsewhere, the store will be forced to re-evaluate their green practices.

What if I want to Make Recycled Furniture?

Building your own furniture can be very rewarding. However, keep in mind your skills and their limitations as well as using safe, green techniques to refinish all wood if necessary.

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