The undeniable manifestations of climate change have pushed many of us to look into how we live and how it affects the world we live in. Nowadays, the fast fashion industry is under fire for how it promotes excessive consumerism and its unethical practices that devastate our environment at a colossal level. Hence, more and more people are putting their best efforts to veer away from problematic fast fashion brands in hopes of living more sustainably.

But aside from your choice of clothing, how you furnish and decorate your home is another aspect where you can incorporate sustainable practices. In this guide to sustainable furniture, we discuss what sustainability truly means, its many benefits, plus practical shopping tips. Let’s get started!

What is Sustainability?

Beyond being a buzzword, sustainability aims to minimize our negative impact on the environment by making a conscious decision to reduce our waste, consume sustainable food options and opt for pieces made from renewable resources.

Sustainable furniture is ethically produced from eco-friendly and recyclable materials that do not involve toxic chemicals and other processes during manufacturing or transportation that are detrimental to overall health and the environment. Locally made furniture is also considered sustainable because it minimizes transportation and the consumption of petrol and other resources.

Additionally, sustainable furniture is made of top quality and is expected to last for many lifetimes, reducing the risk of having them end up in our already overflowing landfills.

Why Is Shopping for Sustainable Furniture Important?

Opting for sustainable furniture means reducing your ecological footprint and doing your fair share in reducing the demand for products produced through unethical practices. Here are other excellent reasons to shop for sustainable alternatives whenever possible.

Conserve the Earth’s natural resources - Like fast fashion, consumer products like furniture also consume excessive amounts of water and energy, natural resources which are now growing scarce.
Cut down on waste production - Sustainable furniture can be more expensive than cheap, mass-produced pieces you can find widely available today. However, it’s usually because they are made of higher quality and offer better longevity. You don’t automatically throw them away. You can always sell, upcycle, or donate these pieces.

Sustainable Furniture Shopping Tips

Go for vintage furniture.
Many people now have a newfound appreciation for preloved and vintage furniture because aside from finding timeless, heirloom pieces, it’s also a way to shop sustainably. Unless they are recycled, old pieces would likely end up in landfills. Shopping for second-hand pieces makes sure this does not happen.
Choose sustainable furniture made from natural raw materials.
Furniture made of synthetic materials frequently uses toxic chemicals and dyes that cause environmental pollution. When shopping with sustainability in mind, look for those made from natural organic materials, such as bamboo and hemp.
Opt for reclaimed or certified sustainable wood.
Natural wood involves cutting down trees as part of deforestation and destruction of the environment. Nevertheless, eco-friendly options are now made from certified sustainable wood from managed forests and reclaimed wood from salvaged ships or barns.
Look for furniture made from recycled materials.
Shopping sustainably does not mean compromising style. More and more furniture designers are creating one-off pieces made from recycled plastics and textiles with contemporary flair.

Whether you’re moving into a new apartment or just looking to shake things up at home with new furniture, we hope this article helps you make the right decisions that’ll also make you happy.