Earth Conscious Home Furnishings

furniture in landfill

Each year, American's throw out more than 12 million tons of furniture and furnishings, 80% of which ends up in the landfill. 

Used furniture not only saves money but reduces carbon emissions, limits plastic production, and helps prevent deforestation


Click HERE for ideas on repurposing furniture.


Here are a few places with furniture waiting to be rehomed:

Nest Furnishings & Consignments- Avon

Thrifty Shop- Edwards & Eagle

Habitat ReStore Vail Valley- Gypsum


 Furniture

  • Buy Forest Stewardship Council certified wood
  • Buy lower quality wood and secondary species that have less demand
  • Buy furniture with no or low volatile organic compound (VOC) finish or buy it unfinished and do it yourself with products based on linseed or beeswax.
  • Avoid particle boards and other wood composites that may emit formaldehyde.

Floor

  • Avoid carpet and go with hardwood or tile, less waste, less trapped dust, no toxic off gassing.
  • Look for modular carpets, which can be sent back to the manufacturer to reuse and are made of recycled material. It is also more easily repaired.

Bed

  • Look for natural latex foam for mattresses instead of polyurethane, which can release toxins.
  • Wool meets national fire safety standards without additional chemical fire retardants- look for mattresses with low VOC to avoid off-gassing. 
  • Organic cotton or wool may be the best choice for sheets.