It’s no secret that the furniture industry has a significant environmental impact. From logging old-growth forests to pumping out toxic chemicals, the path from tree to table isn’t always a pretty one. But amidst all the gloom and doom, there’s a growing movement of eco-conscious furniture makers who are working hard to source their materials in a more sustainable way.
The Plastic Predicament
As I sat in the sweltering Bangkok heat, nursing a Singha beer and chowing down on some delicious Thai pork knuckles, I couldn’t help but notice the ubiquitous presence of plastic. Sure, the vendors lining the Chatuchak Weekend Market weren’t exactly known for their environmental stewardship, but their reliance on plastic packaging made a certain kind of sense.
“In many places people buy products like shampoo in small single use sachets about the size of a ketchup packet because that’s all they can afford. And if you’re buying one day’s worth of shampoo, you’re going to worry less about what happens to the package after it’s used.”
I’ve spent a lot of time working in the plastics industry, trying to make it more sustainable. And while the plastic waste problem is very real, it’s not as simple as just banning the stuff. Plastic packaging plays a vital role in getting essential products to people who need them, especially in developing regions. The challenge is finding ways to better manage that waste stream, not eliminating plastic entirely.
The Search for Sustainable Solutions
That’s why I’m so fascinated by the work of eco-friendly furniture makers who are digging deeper to find sustainable sourcing solutions. It’s not just about slapping an “organic” label on a piece and calling it a day. These folks are getting their hands dirty, exploring innovative ways to minimize their environmental impact.
One of the first things they’re looking at is the type of wood they use. As the experts at Business of Home explain, solid wood is always the best option, as it eliminates the need for toxic glues and binders found in composite materials. But it’s not just about the wood itself – it’s also about where that wood comes from.
Certifications and Scorecards
When shopping for sustainably sourced furniture, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. This label indicates that the wood was harvested from well-managed forests using responsible, low-impact logging methods. Beware, however, of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) label, which has faced criticism for not providing the same level of environmental assurance.
But certifications are just the tip of the iceberg. The Sustainable Furnishings Council also offers a comprehensive Wood Furniture Scorecard that evaluates a manufacturer’s entire supply chain, from sourcing to production. This handy tool can help you discover brands that are truly walking the walk when it comes to sustainability.
Reclaimed and Urban-Sourced Lumber
Of course, certifications and scorecards are just the beginning. Some of the most innovative eco-friendly furniture makers are going even further, tapping into the world of reclaimed and urban-sourced lumber.
Take Megan Offner of New York Heartwoods, for example. She was working in the design-build industry when she realized that so much usable wood was ending up in landfills or being turned into firewood. So she pivoted, setting up a team to mill and produce furniture from fallen trees, urban removals, and other sources of salvaged wood.
“It adds a quality to the interior space beyond just the beauty of the material. For a client in New Rochelle who had to take down a 30-foot tree, she was able to use it to make all of the bedroom furniture – two bookshelves, three stools, and a coffee table.”
And Megan’s not alone. Brands like Sabai, founded by Phantila Phataraprasit, are also making waves by sourcing FSC-certified plywood and salvaged urban lumber for their furniture frames. It’s all about finding creative ways to divert trees from the landfill and give them new life.
Avoiding the Tropical Trap
Of course, not every tree is created equal when it comes to sustainability. As the National Resources Defense Council points out, tropical hardwoods like mahogany and teak can be particularly problematic, as they regenerate poorly after logging and are often subject to illegal harvesting.
So if your heart is set on that lush tropical look, you might want to rethink your options. Vintage and antique furniture can be a great alternative, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of rare woods without contributing to ongoing deforestation. And for outdoor furniture, FSC-certified ipe or teak could be a more sustainable choice.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
But it’s not just about the wood. Eco-friendly furniture makers are also looking at the whole lifecycle of their products, from manufacturing to disposal. They’re exploring ways to minimize waste, reduce emissions, and even “upcycle” old furniture into new pieces.
At the end of the day, sustainable sourcing is a complex and ever-evolving challenge. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and the path to a greener future is riddled with obstacles and trade-offs. But the passionate individuals and brands I’ve encountered are proof that it’s possible to create beautiful, functional furniture while treading lightly on the planet.
So the next time you’re in the market for a new piece, I encourage you to dig a little deeper. Explore the unfinished furniture world and see what kind of sustainable secrets you can uncover. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite eco-friendly masterpiece.
