What Is Sustainable Furniture?
What is sustainable furniture?
Sustainable furniture, or “ECO-Friendly” furniture can be classified in many different ways. Some examples of identifying sustainable furniture would be where and how it’s made, what materials were used, how durable it is, what certifications the manufacturer has, and the functionality of the furniture. Reducing your carbon footprint as a consumer, and knowing more about sustainability when purchasing furniture is better for you, your family, and of course the environment.
To make better choices for the environment, ask yourself these questions when buying new furniture:
1) Is the furniture you’re buying made with any eco-friendly, or recycled materials? Decor-Rest, for instance, uses recycled leather, fibre and foam for most of their pillow inserts. This reduces how much material is needed during production, requires less processing, but also utilizes materials that would have otherwise been discarded, ending up in our landfills. Decor-Rest also uses an eco-friendly, Canadian made, soy based product for their cushions. This environmental green soya foam is manufactured without CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons), which are harmful gases that negatively impact the ozone layer. Decor-rest provides customers with a variety of Eco-Friendly fabrics to choose from as well!
2) Is the manufacturer local? Locally made furniture reduces carbon emissions, requires less fuel consumption, and supports your local companies and our own economy.
3) What is the quality of furniture you are buying? Durable, higher-quality craftsmanship lengthens the lifespan of your furniture, which is a better investment for you, and of course easier on our landfills. Often times, higher quality furniture will age well in your home, and can even be passed down to next generations. You end up spending less money on furniture in the long run!
4) What is the function of the furniture you wish to buy? Does it serve multiple purposes, like a sofa bed? Or a storage ottoman? Is it ergonomically made, and something you will get a lot of use out of?
5) What certifications does the furniture manufacturer have? Decor-Rest is part of the Toxic Reduction Act, which is a Program that encourages Ontario companies to reduce toxic substance use, draft the legal reporting and planning requirements, and present the public with information about the substances used in the manufacturing process. They are also ISO certified (International Standards Organization), and BIFMA certified (Business & Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association)
There are many advantages to making more environmentally friendly choices. It is better for your health, the health of your family, and the communities you live in. It can reduce deforestation, helps the economy, and countless other reasons. To learn more about what we are doing to make a difference, Click here to view the Decor-Rest Toxic Reduction Summary Plan, or talk to one of our team specialists who are always happy to assist you.
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