A considerable chunk of furniture ends up in landfills, making our furniture choices more important than we think. The good news is that 82% of Singaporeans are willing to consider paying more for a sustainable home, according to the Consumer Sentiment Study H2 2021.
However, being an eco-conscious shopper can be tricky.
You need to spend more time and exert more effort in finding the perfect furniture for your space. You also need to ensure that your pieces are durable enough to grow with you—this means avoiding fast furniture when possible.
But is sustainable furniture really that much better, and how do you ensure your pieces align with these practices?
What makes furniture sustainable?
Sustainable furniture is a concept that focuses on reducing environmental impact through thoughtful design, production, and use. It incorporates various elements to ensure that the furniture is eco-friendly and socially responsible:
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Materials: Sustainable furniture companies often use renewable, recycled, or sustainably sourced materials such as reclaimed wood materials, recycled steel, or organic natural fibres.
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Manufacturing Process: Eco-friendly manufacturing practices aim to reduce energy consumption and harmful emissions, such as
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Durability and Longevity: Eco-friendly furniture is typically built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
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Design: The design often considers end-of-life scenarios, such as being easily recyclable or biodegradable. Some sustainable furniture is also designed to be multifunctional or modular, adapting to changing needs over time.
Why should you buy sustainable furniture?
Environmental conservation
Sustainable furniture has a lower environmental impact. This allows you to help protect forests and ecosystems by preserving natural resources and reducing the demand for virgin materials.
Reduced carbon footprint
Sustainable furniture undergoes eco-friendly manufacturing processes that prioritise energy efficiency and emissions reduction. They are also made with recycled materials in mind, reducing carbon footprint and encouraging a more sustainable approach to consumption.
Long-term cost savings
While sustainable furniture has higher upfront costs, it leads to long-term savings owing to its durability. This means less frequent replacements and reduced overall environmental impact from the production and disposal of furniture.
Positive social impact and support for ethical practices
Many sustainable brands actively engage in fair labour practices, ensuring safe working conditions and fair wages for those involved in the manufacturing process.
Additionally, by choosing these eco-friendly products, you contribute to positive social impacts, such as job creation, community development, and the well-being of those involved in the supply chain.
Tips for shopping sustainable furniture
Research your options
Whether you’re buying or sourcing furniture in some other way, invest time in researching your options.
Read customer reviews and compare different brands to understand their sustainability practices.
For example, before getting new dining furniture, read customer reviews on various online platforms to understand the durability and sustainability of different brands. Compare feedback on factors like durability, material quality, and eco-friendly practices.
Pay attention to the materials used and the manufacturing process
When shopping for furniture, ask crucial questions about materials and manufacturing processes to gauge environmental impact.
Consider if the furniture is crafted with environmentally friendly, ethically sourced and nontoxic materials. Look for sustainable practices promoting water conservation, low-emission finishes, and recycling programs in furniture production.
Look for certifications that show commitment to sustainability
Verify if the furniture holds memberships or certifications reflecting a commitment to sustainability, like Sustainable Furnishings Council membership, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or Cradle-to-Cradle certification for overall product lifecycle sustainability.
For example, FSC-certified wood means that the wood is responsibly sourced, protects ecosystems, respects local communities and workers’ rights, and maintains the forest’s health for future generations.
Support local and artisanal craftmanship
Handmade furniture often comes with a level of quality craftsmanship that mass-produced items can’t match. There’s often more opportunity for customisation with local artisans, allowing you to get a piece that fits your exact needs and preferences.
Not only will your sustainable home furniture be truly unique, but you’ll also support the local economy and reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.
Go with timeless designs
Handmade furniture often comes with a level of quality craftsmanship that mass-produced items can’t match. There’s often more opportunity for customisation with local artisans, allowing you to get a piece that fits your exact needs and preferences.
Not only will your sustainable home furniture be truly unique, but you’ll also support the local economy and reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.
Consider the entire lifecycle
When you purchase furniture, consider end-of-life aspects. You’re essentially focusing on its long-term waste and environmental impact even after it has served its purpose in your home.
Consider whether the furniture can be refurbished or upcycled. A well-made piece of furniture can often be given a new lease of life with some refurbishment, like reupholstering, repainting, or refinishing.
It’s also important to be aware of responsible disposal options, such as companies that offer take-back programs or local recycling facilities that accept furniture.
Invest in multifunctional pieces
Opt for furniture that can be used in multiple ways and multiple areas in your space—for example, dining tables that can be repurposed as outdoor furniture. Having a multifunctional piece allows you to make the most of your space and reduces the need for additional furniture.
Similarly, consider modular designs, which can be disassembled and reassembled into different forms or repurposed for other uses, extending their life and reducing waste.
Include the packaging materials in your consideration
Packaging is just as important as the furniture itself. Materials like styrofoam and single-use plastic often can’t be reused or recycled and only contribute to landfill and ocean pollution.
Better choices are minimal or eco-friendly packaging and lightweight, biodegradable packaging, which can also lessen energy waste during transportation.
Start Your Journey Towards Sustainability with Woodslab’s Handcrafted Furniture
Just like any significant investment, choosing your furniture should involve a commitment to the long term, extending from the sourcing phase to the design process.
To ensure the most sustainable furniture purchase possible, it’s crucial to assess factors such as its lifespan, recyclability, multifunctionality, and the materials used, among others.
At Woodslab, we put sustainability at the forefront of our business.
Our wooden furniture is built for life with high-quality materials that are sustainably sourced and harvested through our trusted partner factory and are certified by local authorities.
Meticulously handmade and designed to be timeless, our pieces also come with complimentary in-house customised alterations and a one-year guarantee on structural integrity. So, if you’re looking to make the switch, our team can help you get started on your sustainability journey.
Ready to transform your space sustainably?