Sustainable furniture is sprouting up in Singapore in response to the increasing demand from the environmentally-conscious consumer.
However, are all these green furniture claims true? There’s no way to know unless you do your research—and to save you from the deal, here’s a guide on how to shop for sustainable furniture.
1. Opt for Sustainable Furniture Materials
• Wood
Although cutting down trees to manufacture furniture isn’t sustainable in itself, there are some greener options than the others. These include responsibly sourced woods such as the following:
✔ Teak
✔ Bamboo
✔ Eucalyptus
✔ Walnut
• Metals and Alloys
Similarly, while the manufacturing of metals and alloys such as steel and aluminium may not be so eco-friendly—as it consumes tons of electricity—these materials can be easily recycled into new, quality furniture in Singapore.
2. Consider Responsible Manufacturing Practices
The materials used to make furniture is one thing, but how it’s made is another.
Responsible manufacturing of furniture has to be safe for the environment. It means manufacturers should reduce the use of toxic substances, like solvent-based lacquers, as over time, they off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to the pollution.
3. Shop from Eco-Friendly Furniture Stores
Finally, it’s also a great idea to purchase home furniture from online stores that are committed to reducing their environmental impact.
Soul & Tables, a teak furniture provider in Singapore, for instance, use ethically-sourced, eco-friendly pieces that are guaranteed to stand the test of time. It promises to deliver great furniture style and value that doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.
Final Tips
✔ Shop Local - Buying furniture locally reduces energy consumed to ship items to your door.
✔ Invest in Quality Furniture - Cheap furniture often doesn’t last long. Make sure to invest in pieces that will not end up in landfills in just a few years.
✔ Look for Green Certifications - Educate yourself about green furniture certifications and you’ll be able to make eco-friendly decisions regarding your purchases.
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