How do we define Green furniture?
Green furniture reduces the 'footprint' left upon the planet by utilizing low-impact, non-toxic, sustainably-produced or recycled materials that require less energy to convert from raw to finished state.
The 'green' furniture item should not cause harm to your health, consumes less energy, is made for quality and durability, and is able to be reused or recycled.
- Avoid furniture made of laminated wood, pressed wood, plywood, and particleboard, chipboard, which contain formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen, allergen and irritant. Particleboard looks like wood shavings glued together with no visible grain. Plywood is fairly thin with a grain. Unfinished edges reveal that a number of layers have been stacked and glued together
- Ask for independently certified wood furniture, a guarantee that the wood was harvested sustainably. If you are having custom made furniture, it’s also worth asking for "reclaimed" or "recycled" lumber, wood that’s been salvaged from old buildings. "Reclaimed" or "recycled" wood is often quite charming in its appearance
- Buy unfinished wood furniture if possible. You can have it finished with less toxic low-VOC and water-based polyurethane stains and sealants, or with tung oil and beeswax that, although aromatic when applied, are quite safe once dry
- Since it's not always possible to avoid plywood or particleboard in furniture, apply a non-toxic sealant to the exposed, bare wood to keep fumes from being released into the air. Apply these sealants outdoors or in a well-ventilated area by someone who is not pregnant, and keep young children away until the furniture is completely dry
- Avoid plastic, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC) furniture, which is linked with many adverse health effects, including birth defects, immune system disorders, reproductive health disorders, endocrine and nervous system abnormalities, and cancers
- Have sofas, loveseats and chairs custom-made with organic cotton and wool fill. Wool is naturally flame retardant
- Avoid futons with foam cores. Purchase 100 percent cotton futons instead
- Allow time and space for off-gassing for all newly purchased furniture
- When cleaning furniture, use environmentally friendly cleaners
