This is what makes Furniture sustainable
Furniture is sustainable when certain environmental, economic and social aspects are met. We have summarized what these are for you:
Use of renewable raw Materials : Sustainable furniture uses renewable raw materials. These include sustainable wood, fast-growing bamboo, cotton, natural felt, hemp, linen, jute and recyclable materials such as PET.
Longevity : In order for the furniture to be sustainable, it should be able to be used for as long as possible. Not only the material - which should be robust - but also the design play an important role here. If this is timeless, the furniture can be used for a long time without being outdated quickly. In addition to classic solid wood furniture, metal furniture is also particularly sustainable. They are robust and durable and come with a timeless, classic design. So they go with many furnishing styles and stay with you for a long time.
Socially responsible Manufacturing: For a piece of furniture to be considered sustainable, the conditions under which it is produced must be right. Companies need to be socially responsible and ensure good working conditions and fair wages. If this is the case, it is usually stated on the manufacturer's website.
Short Transport Routes: Sustainable furniture and its raw materials are not shipped halfway around the world. Instead, its carbon footprint is as small as possible. Local materials are used and the furniture is made locally.
Free of pollutants: Sustainable furniture is free of harmful substances. This is especially important for bedroom and nursery furniture. Wood, varnishes, oils and glazes should all be safe.
Sustainable Furniture: Manufacturer Self-Reporting
Since there is no set definition of sustainable furniture, you can only use self-monitoring and the information provided by the manufacturer as a guide. To date, manufacturers have not been required to disclose the origin of their raw materials. If you are unsure whether a piece of furniture is sustainably produced, you can contact the manufacturer and ask where the materials come from and under what conditions the furniture is made.
Eco-labels support the Purchase of sustainable Furniture
In addition to manufacturers' self-reporting, you can use some eco-labels as a guide when buying sustainable furniture:
Blue Angel : This label indicates that the release of pollutants is limited and that the wood is largely sourced from sustainable forests.
FSC Seal : The seal of the Forest Stewardship Council, a nonprofit, independent organization that promotes responsible forest management, promises that only wood from forests managed in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner has been used.
Öko-Control : The label guarantees that the furniture has been manufactured according to high ecological standards and is as free of harmful substances as possible. It is awarded by the European Association of Ecological Furniture Stores, which inspects textiles and upholstered furniture.
Eco-Institut Label : This label is considered a reliable seal of approval, as it involves extensive testing for emissions and pollutants. Furniture with this label is of high quality, largely environmentally friendly and safe for health. The label covers the entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials, through processing and use, to the disposal or recycling of the furniture.
PEFC Seal: The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes label guarantees that most of the wood comes from sustainably managed forests. However, the label is based on self-reporting by foresters and should be viewed critically.
Tips for Sustainability in the Institution
Of course, sustainability in home furnishings goes beyond the raw materials and production of furniture. There are many other factors that go into making your home sustainable. Here are some tips for sustainable home furnishings:
- Embrace Minimalism: By carefully selecting a few pieces of furniture, you are helping the environment and saving resources.
- Choose high quality Furniture: High quality furniture is more expensive, but often more durable than cheap furniture.
- Let trends be trends: Don't follow every trend and replace your furniture every few years, even if it's still in good condition.
- From old to new: Buying used furniture and refurbishing old furniture.
- Tip for Decluttering: Don't throw the furniture away right away, sell it or give it away.
- Rely on Recycling: Buy furniture made from recycled materials.
- Organic Fabrics: Choose pillows, blankets and other textiles made from organic cotton.
- Bamboo instead of Wood: Bamboo is a fast-growing raw material that lasts a long time because it does not lose its strength and is not affected by moisture.
- Use sustainable Wood: Avoid furniture made of tropical wood.
- The right Wallpaper: Choose recycled wallpaper that does not contain plasticizers, polypropylene or ethylene.
- Ecological Paints: Lime, glue, casein and silicate paints are the most ecological. Otherwise, look for paints that contain low levels of solvents, which have low emissions.
Sustainable furniture is made from renewable resources and under fair working conditions. Classic, timeless design promises longevity, so you can enjoy your furniture for years to come while protecting the environment.
At Metallbude you will find your sustainable furniture.
