Here are some things to consider when furniture shopping. That is, if you can't seem to find what you’re looking at the ReStore.
Reclaimed materials - Reclaimed wood usually comes from either old furniture, houses, or anything else made of wood. Believe it or not, some reclaimed wood even comes from "river logs" (i.e. whole logs that have sunken to the bottom of rivers). Keep in mind, finding furniture that is made 100 % from reclaimed wood is not always easy to locate. Most of the time you'll come across furniture that is partially made from reclaimed wood. Either way it's still better than it being made entirely of new wood.
Bamboo - Did you know that bamboo isn't considered a tree, but a grass? Bamboo is a popular option because it is an extremely fast-growing and versatile resource. Bamboo can be bent, flattened, molded, sawed, and sliced into just about anything. Another plus about choosing bamboo is the fact that it is grown with few or no pesticides. However, bamboo isn't perfect; because it grows so fast, bamboo tends to consume lots of water.
Recycled metal and plastic - Now a days, more and more furniture is being made using recycled plastics and metals. Recycled materials are a great alternative because they reduce metal and plastics having to be processed and created.
Durability and fix-ability - Durability is a very important component to consider when choosing furniture, whether "green" or not. The fewer chances it has to break, the fewer chances it will end up in a landfill. Durable goods age well because they last, and can be passed on to others (or donated to the ReStore). Remember, a classic never dies. That end table may be out of style now but in twenty years, it's bound to be all the rage! However, if you find yourself up to your elbow in durable furniture you can always send some our way!
Low-toxicity and offgassing - Did you know certain furniture can release what is known as "Offgassing”? "Offgassing" is when something, in this case a piece of furniture, actually releases gasses into the air. Some new furniture can actually release harmful gasses into the air. Come to think about it, nearly all offgases are harmful. The most common offgass you may have heard of is VOC. Volatile Organic Compounds have been linked to birth defects, endocrine disruption, and even cancer. Some new furniture is coated with flame retardants and formaldehyde VOCs.
However, do not despair; there are ways of identifying safe furniture. "Greenguard" is a certification that ensures furniture has low toxicity. Try looking for furniture that is either untreated, or make sure that it has only been treated with natural substances, like natural wood finishes, or naturally tanned leather. If you are looking at a piece that may have been stuffed, be sure to check whether the stuffing is organic cotton. Organic cotton is far less likely to have been treated with toxins. Of course a sure-fire way of guaranteeing that there are no offgases in your furniture would be to buy vintage or used. Used furniture's offgases have already been release and are long gone, so they are safe to bring into your home. But, where on earth could you find used furniture? Hmmmmm.
Buy Local - Just like buying locally grown produce, buying locally made furniture is a great way to go green. Not only are you supporting the local economy, you are helping to save the environment. Buying a piece of furniture that is locally made, reduces the amount of time it spends sitting in the back of an oil burning, gas guzzling, carbon- emitting cargo truck.
