It is true that the decoration is living a stage of conscious change and green furniture is beginning to be a trend. Today I want to tell you some details that you should take into account to choose a good ecological furniture, as well as what you should demand from the seller so that the furniture you buy is really ecological.
Nowadays, companies dedicated to the production of ecological furniture are beginning to take into account not only functionality, but also design. And this is to be welcomed because furniture is a fundamental part of our home. They have an important visual and aesthetic weight in our home as they represent a large surface with which we interact in our daily lives. We touch it, we clean it and it is present in every room. Our furniture occupies 10% of the volume of our home (calculated on the basis of a house of 90m2 useful). It is a relatively important percentage to think that your next piece of furniture should be ecological and avoid damaging your health and your environment. I'll explain why...
Sideboard designed by Jory Brigham
What is eco-friendly furniture?
Ecological furniture are elements made with original or recycled natural raw materials that in their manufacturing process leave a zero or low impact footprint on the environment. In addition, they do not contain toxic substances harmful to health.
Going into a little more detail, in the process of creating an ecological furniture several aspects are involved. The first is the origin and/or cultivation of the raw material. Here there are two main groups involved. On the one hand, the raw material for its production and on the other hand, the raw material for the coatings. Both must meet strict environmental criteria under standards that ensure respect for the quality of the indoor environment and nature.
Secondly, the form of manufacture. An ecological piece of furniture will have far fewer chemical products in its assembly and finishing than a traditional piece of furniture. It will generate much less waste during its manufacture. As well as the absence of harmful products for the indoor environment we breathe.
Thirdly, it must be certified whether the material used is biodegradable; this is important because organic waste does not have a limited shelf life like synthetic waste.
Finally, we must ask whether it complies with any of the international standards that protect people against:
- carcinogenic components
- respiratory system irritants
- neurotoxic compounds
- endocrine disruptors
- chemically sensitive compounds
- persistently bioaccumulative elements
- heavy metals
Is eco-friendly furniture the same as sustainable furniture?
Currently the industry is trying to confuse us between these two terms and make us believe that they are synonymous. However I have to clarify that they are different terms.
The word ecological comes from the Greek oikos and means "relating to the environment". And in relation to furniture, the ecological concept is connected to the responsible management of the planet and its natural resources, in order to avoid their depletion.
Sustainable, on the other hand, refers to the responsible use of the planet and not only to natural resources and their production. In other words, it is assumed that there is a balance between using and not using resources as a means to satisfy human needs. A clear example of this idea is that if we choose a bed-furniture built with tropical wood from native forests (a sustainable solution per se), this wood could have been felled before its full maturity. For this reason, this type of material can have negative consequences for the environment.
In any case, if you are looking for an ecological furniture for a specific space, I will help you to choose the best option among our list of suppliers.
Nara chair by Andre Joyau
Ecological seals that certify them
If you want to buy a furniture product that is environmentally friendly, it is important to see if the brand has an eco-label. There are several certifications that can help you decide if a product is worth the outlay.
Eco-labels: These labels certify that a piece of furniture meets certain standards in terms of its manufacturing process and materials used in production. For example, an eco-label called M1 indicates that no harmful chemicals were used during the production process; another label called SEV means that the wood was harvested using sustainable methods; and thirdly, EPP means that all packaging materials are recyclable or reusable.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): This certification guarantees that the wood used is obtained from responsible forestry and sustainable cultivation practices. It also ensures that no illegal logging is involved in the production of its products.
PEFC (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification): This international program regulates the use of certified forest resources that ensure compliance with the standards established by PEFC International Standards at each stage of production, from raw material procurement to manufacturing, marketing and finally end use. disposal/recycling".
CARB or CARB2 (California Air Resource Board): This certificate sets the standard for indoor exposure to formaldehyde. In this case, raw material manufacturers must send samples of their products to independent laboratories to certify the emissions. Having this certificate ensures that the air we respect is healthy and free of carcinogens that can harm us.
National or local manufacture
Acquiring eco-friendly furniture is a way to preserve our environment. This is particularly important in these times, when pollution and global heat loss are on the rise. By buying green furniture, you are not only helping the planet, but you are also investing in your health and the health of future generations. One of the best ways to ensure that you are buying furniture made from sustainable materials is to purchase locally made furniture. Opting for locally produced products can save you some money and also help your local area. By doing so, you not only help support local jobs, but you also reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions created by transporting them long distances (and often by air).
Some types of ecological furniture
Here are a couple of ideas to develop your creativity:
- Recycled or Kraft cardboard furniture: nowadays you can find design furniture with this material quite resistant to weight with water-repellent and fireproof properties. Such as armchairs, tables, modular elements... like those of Paper Tiger Products. They are ideal for more youthful and casual areas, as alternative furniture to the traditional, even for fair stands (ephemeral architecture).
- Bamboo furniture: this is a highly recommended option for its sustainability and durability. If you are thinking of acquiring some, take a look at our article on Bamboo parquet.
- Natural cork furniture: it is a very sustainable and attractive alternative for certain spaces. Auxiliary elements such as poufs or support tables can be very functional and we will be giving a plus to our home.
- Recovered furniture: second hand, restored or reused for another purpose. Ecological paints or varnishes can be used for this purpose, as in this post on The secrets of ecological paints that we made and that you can consult here.
Different applications of materials in furniture
Remember
- Sustainable is not the same as environmentally friendly.
- An eco-friendly piece of furniture is one that meets strict environmental criteria.
- You should always require environmental compliance certificates.
- Where possible, opt for local rather than international manufacturers to reduce your carbon footprint.
