Sustainable Eco-Friendly Furniture for your Home
In today’s world, sustainability is a growing concern in all aspects of our lives, including the furniture we choose for our homes. Fortunately, there are many sustainable furniture options available in the market. By exploring sustainable furniture options, you can make conscious choices that align with your values while creating a stylish and eco-friendly home or workspace.
Sustainability. Our responsibility.
The planet we live on deserves all our responsibility to care for and respect it. Our commitment is increasingly necessary. Fortunately, at the present, we are more aware and we are modifying processes, actions and attitudes, both at a personal and corporate level. The role of companies in respecting the environment is critical.
The commitment to responsible and sustainable behaviour in companies is no longer an option, but a necessity. They cannot turn their backs on a management model that integrates ethical codes and factors that take into account the social and environmental value of their activity. Moreover, sustainable companies reduce costs, are more competitive and efficient, and acquire business opportunities in new markets and key segments in the economy of the future.
Exploring Sustainable Furniture Options
When it comes to furnishing your home with sustainable choices, there are various options available that can help reduce your environmental impact. The furniture industry is one of the sectors most committed to the environment. Sustainability is applied not only in manufacturing materials, but also in design, manufacturing process, distribution and social commitment. In the case of materials, it takes into account not only the type of material used, but also its origin and the process of obtaining it.
Sustainable & Certified Wood
Have you ever wondered where the wood we consume comes from? Every year almost 9 million hectares of forest disappear around the world. And today, 12% of greenhouse gases come from deforestation and related activities. That is why wood certification is so important. A certified wood offers the guarantee that its procurement has had the least possible impact on the environment and also does not make inappropriate use of the people who contribute to the production and harvesting of the wood.
Sustainable wood furniture is a popular choice for eco-conscious individuals who want to bring a natural and timeless aesthetic to their homes. This furniture is crafted from responsibly sourced wood, ensuring that the forests from which the materials are derived are managed sustainably.
The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certificate was created to ensure the care of large natural areas at risk of deforestation. This certificate aims to assure the consumer that the wood or any other forest product used in the manufacture of furniture comes from a responsibly and sustainably managed forest.
Other examples of sustainable wood furniture include pieces made from reclaimed or recycled wood. These materials offer a second life to old timber, reducing the demand for new wood and minimizing deforestation. By opting for reclaimed wood furniture, you give new life to discarded wood, reducing waste and supporting eco-conscious practices.
International certifications.
FSC. FSC-certified forests are managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards. Nowadays, more than 160 million hectares of forest are managed to FSC standards around the world. There are 3 types of FSC certification labels for products: FSC 100%, FSC Mix and FSC recycled. More information on FSC certification and labelling can be found here at the official website FSC.org. PEFC. Another international certificate for sustainable wood is PEFC. PEFC is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that promotes Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification. As of today, PEFC is the world’s largest forest certification scheme. This certification, works throughout the supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that forest products are produced to the highest environmental, social and ethical standards. PEFC certification certifies that companies that source their raw material from forests do so in a responsible manner.
Eco-friendly materials. Alternatives to sustainable wood
Apart from wood there are various options that are environmentally friendly and contribute to the overall sustainability of your furniture choices. Let’s delve into four key materials: natural wicker, and recycled plastic.
Natural Wicker Furniture
Natural wicker furniture is an eco-friendly choice that blends sustainability with timeless elegance. Made from natural and renewable materials like rattan, willow, or bamboo, wicker furniture adds a touch of nature to your space. Choosing natural wicker furniture supports sustainable farming practices and reduces the carbon footprint associated with non-renewable materials.
Recycled Plastic Furniture
Recycled plastic furniture is an innovative and eco-conscious choice for sustainable living. It is crafted from post-consumer plastic waste such as plastic bottles, containers, and packaging materials. By utilizing recycled plastic, we divert waste from landfills and reduce the energy and resources required for manufacturing new plastic products.
Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Furniture
When it comes to furnishing your home, choosing sustainable furniture offers numerous benefits that go beyond just being environmentally friendly. Here are some key advantages of opting for sustainable furniture:
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Sustainable furniture is made from eco-friendly materials and production processes, minimizing the negative impact on the environment. By choosing these furniture options, you contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of waste.
- Durability and Longevity: Sustainable furniture is built to last. Unlike mass-produced furniture that often succumbs to wear and tear quickly, sustainable options are crafted with high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship, ensuring their longevity. Investing in durable furniture means fewer replacements over time, which is both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
- Healthier Indoor Environment: Sustainable furniture is typically made with low or non-toxic materials, reducing the presence of harmful chemicals in your indoor environment. This is particularly important if you or your family members have respiratory issues or allergies. By choosing sustainable furniture, you create a healthier and safer space for yourself and your loved ones.
- Supporting Ethical Practices: Many sustainable furniture brands prioritize fair labor practices and ethical sourcing of materials. By choosing these brands, you support responsible business practices and contribute to the well-being of workers in the industry. Knowing that your furniture was produced under fair conditions adds an extra layer of satisfaction to your purchase.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Sustainable furniture is available in a wide range of stylish designs, ensuring that you don’t have to compromise on aesthetics. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist look or a more rustic and vintage vibe, there are sustainable options to complement your personal style and enhance the overall decor of your space.
By considering these benefits, you can see why choosing eco-friendly furniture is not only a conscious decision for the environment but also a smart investment in the long run. Make a positive impact on both your living space and the world by choosing sustainable furniture.
Sustainable Furniture Brands in the UK
Furniture brands are committed to the environment and have revised their manufacturing processes to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. We tell you what they do:
French Connection Home
They are committed to use sustainable materials in their homeware products, where they work with sustainable mango wood and recycled glassware. Also their are rugs made from recycled plastic bottles.
Go to French Connection furniture
Kave Home
Kave Home advocates sustainable design and manufacture. They design pieces with recycled and recyclable materials and prioritise the use of artisanal techniques. Through their Kave Cares label, they indicate the products that meet any of these conditions: made from natural materials, made from recycled materials, the material has an official certification, the finishes are natural or the supplier is also committed to the care and respect for the environment. They have the FSC Certification.
Raft Furniture
At Raft Furniture sustainability has been a focus since they started for both their factories, located at London and Indonesia. Raft is the first company in the world to use solar powered kilns in Indonesia to dry its timber. They make sure all their raw materials are responsibly sourced. Their high quality furniture is made by a skilled team of artisans with FLEGT certified teak, which is sustainable to source and will last a lifetime in your home. Today they continue to look at ways to improve further reducing their environmental impact.
What WunderHome does
Our aim is that you have all the information about the sustainability of the product you buy. At WunderHome we indicate whether the furniture or article complies with any of the actions of responsibility and commitment to the environment. We review the information issued by the brand for each item, and include certain icons in the product sheet along with their meaning.
You can find such information on every item:
Responsible and sustainable product
Furniture with FSC-certified wood: from sustainable forests and controlled logging
This product can be reused or recycled at the end of its useful life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainable Furniture
- What is sustainable furniture?
- How can I identify if a piece of furniture is sustainable?
- Why should I choose sustainable furniture?
- Can sustainable furniture be as durable as conventional furniture?
- Is recycled plastic furniture a good sustainable option?
- Is sustainable furniture expensive?
These frequently asked questions provide insights into sustainable furniture and aim to address common queries that we have when considering eco-friendly furniture choices. Understanding what sustainable furniture is and how to identify it can help us make informed decisions. Although sustainable furniture will cost more than conventional furniture, the benefits of choosing sustainable furniture encompass environmental conservation, promoting responsible sourcing practices, and supporting the circular economy. Moreover, sustainable furniture is known for its durability, offering quality and longevity on par with conventional furniture options.
Recycled plastic furniture is a good sustainable option. It diverts plastic waste from landfills and reduces the environmental impact of new plastic production. Besides, recycled plastic furniture is not only durable but also resistant to water, UV rays, and weather conditions.
Ensuring the ethical sourcing of sustainable furniture can be accomplished by opting for brands that prioritize transparency and certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or by choosing pieces made from reclaimed materials. While the lifespan of sustainable furniture may vary depending on usage and care, it can be comparable to that of conventional furniture when proper maintenance is observed.