5 Easy Tips for Buying Green Decor
By thedecoratingdiva
1. Look for furniture made from sustainable and renewable sources such as bamboo, cork or from trees harvested from renewable forests in which trees are planted for those cut down.
2. Recycle, Repurpose and Reclaim – three words to keep in mind when looking for environmentally friendly furniture. Many home furnishing manufacturers are now using reclaimed woods, while others like Zac Designs is using recycled plastics to create interesting tabletop products. As for repurposing, take a walk into any thrift store and let your imagination go wild. An old wood door can be converted into a chic coffee table – anything is possible when you unleash your creativity.
3. Buy locally if at all possible, doing so will reduce the carbon foot print required to transport the furniture. This is another reason to check out second hand stores for furniture you want, since that furniture has already made the trip once.
4. Avoid any furniture products created with particle board since formaldehyde is used to bind the wood particles. Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and should be avoided. Also take note of paints and varnishes used on the furniture, as with the formaldehyde avoid VOC laden finishes.
5. Ask for natural fibers (silk, linen, cotton) for furniture fabrics and eco-friendly foam (soy foam is becoming more widely available) in sofa cushions and pillows.
Decor: Thomas Boog Shell mirror.
Cross-posted at The Decorating Diva.
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Member since: 07/02/07
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I've been decorating, teaching and writing about home design and interior decorating since 2000. I...
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