Took a bit of a break to soak in our new quarantined lifestyle and schedule. It feels good to be back and getting my creative juices flowing! Enjoy this read on how to shop sustainable!

I love a stylish piece of particle board furniture just as much as the next person. Believe me, the cheap IKEA furniture is appealing when thinking of the wear and tear from your children and pets.  Why ruin a nice piece of furniture? What many people don’t take into account is that a solid, durable piece, although at times more expensive, will last longer and be better for the environment. Think of all of the bargain furniture you will keep buying and chucking when you could have purchased just one that is longer lasting.  Learning more about the many ways you can have sustainable furniture in your life will help create a beautiful looking space while keeping in mind the effects it has on our world.

Wood: The thought of chopping down trees for a table doesn’t sound quite sustainable, but choosing the right wood species that are fast growing or long lasting will help every little bit. Bamboo and Rattan grow very quickly and are both incredibly durable.  Teak, Walnut, and Eucalyptus are other woods that are commonly responsibly sourced and you can usually find these durable wood species at furniture stores that carry a sustainable furniture line. Try using reclaimed or recycled wood for your next coffee or dining table.  They not only tell a story, but have a one of a kind look that you will not find anywhere else. Another sustainable trait is to use wood that is locally sourced. This will cut costs on transporting materials to you from across the world and it’s a chance to support a local craftsmen. 

Metal: Furniture made from metal not only looks fantastic, but will last forever. When you are ready for something new it can easily be broken down and recycled.  Metal can also be made out of recycled material for an environmentally friendly material. It comes in a variety of colors making it a versatile material for a traditional or modern home.  

Toxicity: When purchasing furniture look for pieces with little or no VOC emissions. This stands for volatile organic compounds. They are found in paint, varnish, stains, and upholstery. Applied during production, they slowly emit their toxicity in your home. It can be the cause of all sorts of health problems, but also creates toxins in our environment.

Reuse: An easy way to be sustainable and not break the bank is to find something preowned. Discovering the perfect piece of furniture at a thrift store can be fun. All it needs is a little TLC and a new home!

Every little bit helps when reducing your carbon footprint. Next time you go shopping, take into consideration the materials and furniture you buy for a sustainable living environment.