Sustainable furniture makes a huge impact on our environment. The higher the quality means that customers will keep their furniture for longer periods of time, rather than replacing it after a few years (which is what happens with lower quality products). Choosing to invest in higher quality goods prevents it from being discarded in landfills, leaving a smaller environmental footprint on our earth. Consider choosing sustainable materials such as solid wood, leather, wool rugs, and soy-based cushions when making your next purchase.
Solid Wood
Did you know that the forests located in the Appalachian Mountains hold more trees today than they did a century ago? Environmentally and economically, our local forests are healthy and thriving.
Gat Creek even goes the extra mile by turning scrap waste into fuel, Appalachian hardwoods are a remarkable source of energy. And when the scrap is not needed for heat?
“In the summer we sell the material to the local motocross track,” Gat said. “They use the sawdust to help pad for bad landings and minimize soil erosion.”
Sustainable Leather
The longevity of leather makes it a sustainable choice. Sustainable leather is leather that is a byproduct of local farming and agriculture industries. It is considered sustainable because the animals are not raised for the express purpose of using their leather for goods, they are primarily farm animals.
Wool Rugs
Wool woven rugs are luxurious, durable, and most importantly, sustainable. For companies like Karastan, the wool originates on the farms of New Zealand, where sheep are shorn every 9 to 12 months to provide a source of highly renewable material. When wool rugs eventually wear out, the wool is completely biodegradable and returns to the earth as an essential plant nutrient.
Soy Cushions
Lee Industries has established themselves as a leader in eco-friendly manufacturing. Their naturalLEE line offers soy-based renewable seat cushions with 30% soybean oil, reducing the number of petroleum-based products. Their back and throw pillows are filled with 100% recycled fibers made from clear and white plastic bottles. The seat deck and trim pads are made up of 80% regenerated fibers. Their arm padding is made with soy-based polyol. The finishes are all very low VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds). Wood for the frames used by LEE comes from certified sustainable forests and are bonded with a soy-based resin. Their springs are 80% recycled metal. Their offering of organic and natural fiber fabrics completes the product. Being earth-friendly comes without sacrifice.
