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Step 1
Decide what type of furniture fits in your home, but more--decide what features it needs to have in order to work and be functional. Figure out the necessary size and colors. A big part of going green is buying the right furniture the first time, so there's as little waste as possible.
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Step 2
Decide what you're willing to spend. Green furniture may be more expensive than other furniture, or less expensive. Some of the greenest furniture there is--i.e., antique furniture--which is no less than recycled furniture, can cost the most.
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Step 3
Educate yourself on eco-friendly furnishing materials. The materials used should be low-impact on the environment. Bamboo, hemp, salvaged wood, recycled plastic, organic cotton or kapok for cushioning instead of foam...these materials go farther and deplete our natural resources less and cause less deforestation than new hardwood.
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Step 4
Take your time. Don't be in a hurry or be lured by "that perfect piece." To find truly cheap green furnishings, shop regularly at quality furniture stores for green furniture, and wait for sales--and then spring.
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Step 5
For new furniture, shop at furniture import stores that carry bamboo furniture and furniture outlets, and be patient. Come back looking for sales. Ask at each store how the furniture is manufactured. Make sure the processes used are environmentally friendly and don't contribute to pollution--and that the glues used are non-toxic.
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Step 6
Check out the used and new market. Buying used furniture is, by default, green, since nothing new is being made.
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Step 7
Make your furniture last. Choose quality furniture over cheap furniture that, however green, won't last beyond a year. In the long run, cheaply made green furniture is more taxing on the environment.
Comments
moonsun55 said
on 9/8/2009 Good information. Thanks for sharing.
Rachellewms said
on 6/27/2009 I'm glad to know that things don't have to be expensive in order to be environmentally friendly. Great Article! 5*