Earth Month & Sustainability: What is Eco-Friendly Furniture & Its Role?

April is Earth Month, and is the perfect time to look at how our choices and actions impact the planet. From community cleanups to reducing single-use plastics, there’s a wide range of ways to look at sustainability and how we can help reduce waste. One of the ways you may not have considered is by examining how you furnish your home or workspace. 

What is eco-friendly furniture and decor? That’s what we’re going to teach you about today.

Eco-friendly furniture lets you integrate environmentally-conscious pieces into your daily life. From zero gravity chairs to recycled wood pieces, there are endless versatile, chic, and durable pieces from which to choose. Today, we’re looking at what eco-friendly furniture is, what kinds of materials it’s made from, and the impact it has on the environment. Keep reading to see how your choices can help contribute toward a cleaner and greener future.

What Is Eco-Friendly Furniture?

When people ask, “What is eco-friendly furniture, and what is sustainable furniture referencing?” they’re asking how the piece was designed, made, and sourced to reduce harm to the environment. Modern production processes don’t always take into account the impact on the planet, sacrificing sustainability for mass production capabilities instead.

Eco-friendly furniture also referred to as sustainable furniture, is made with materials and practices that aim to minimize environmental impact from start to finish. That doesn’t just mean the finished product, but also looking at how the raw materials are sourced, ensuring it’s done in a way that minimizes environmental damage. Sustainable furniture also relies on how the furniture is built and considering how it’ll eventually be recycled or disposed of in eco-friendly ways. 

More than just about providing a planet-positive option, eco-friendly furniture can also result in having a healthier space for you at home or work. Choosing furniture pieces made with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes, responsibly harvested wood, and sustainable materials, you're reducing waste and conserving resources while avoiding additional chemicals and toxins often found in mass-produced furniture. This leads to cleaner indoor air and a safer, more conscious environment whether you're at home, in the office, or welcoming guests to your business.

Additional Info: Even furniture with real leather options may have alternatives available. For example, the Svago Newton zero gravity chair has synthetic Hyde options that are more eco-friendly and cost-effective.

What Is Eco Friendly Furniture Made Of?

Speaking of materials, what is eco friendly furniture made of that makes it a better option? 

Getting the answer to the question, “What is eco friendly furniture made of?” helps highlight just how many options are available that blend sustainability with style. Generally speaking, sustainable furniture is made from materials that are renewable, recycled, upcycled, or responsibly sourced. These materials are used because of their low environmental impact and because they can be reused or broken down with minimal environmental harm when it comes time to get something new in the future.

A great example of more eco-friendly furniture is the Svago ZGR zero gravity recliner, which uses a durable, vegan synthetic hyde rather than real leather. This material is just as high-quality and luxurious while supporting a more sustainable approach. It reduces the use of animal products and leather processing (which uses a lot of water). Vegan leather (faux leather) is a more mindful alternative if you’re looking for ways to reduce your environmental footprint without compromising on comfort or interior design.

Other than just the benefits of faux leather, what is eco friendly furniture made of that makes it better for the environment, you ask? Some commonly used materials in sustainable furniture include:

• Reclaimed wood: This is often sourced from old buildings or furniture and reduces the need for new logging.

• Bamboo: Bamboo is sturdy, durable, and stylish, plus it’s a fast-growing renewable resource. It’s popular for modern designs.

• Recycled metal or plastic: Recycled metals and plastics are often used for frames or as accents to sustainable furniture. It helps reduce landfill waste and energy consumption caused by manufacturing.

• Organic cotton or linen: Natural fiber textiles like cotton and linen are grown without pesticides. This makes them better for the environment while also being comfortable and durable for your furniture.

• Low-VOC finishes: These eco-friendly finishes minimize air pollution and improve indoor air quality by reducing the number of chemicals used in producing your furniture.

Bonus Info: Vegan leather can be just as durable and luxurious as real leather is. Learn more about the differences between faux leather vs leather from an animal after this article. 

What Is Sustainable Furniture Doing for the Environment?

As more people ask, “What is sustainable furniture and why does it matter?” the environmental benefits are becoming more well-known. Sustainable furniture helps conserve natural resources, limits waste, and reduces carbon emissions throughout the lifetime of your furniture piece. By supporting furniture made using more ethical manufacturing practices and eco-friendly materials, you’re helping to shift the industry toward more responsible production.

In the long term, choosing sustainable furniture pieces like faux leather zero gravity chairs reduces the need for fast furniture (inexpensive pieces that quickly wear out and end up in landfills). Instead, eco-friendly furniture is designed to last, be repaired, or even be repurposed. It keeps waste out of landfills and helps use less energy and raw materials to produce new items over time. It’s a practice that contributes to less deforestation, lower emissions, and more sustainable supply chains.

Choose More Eco-Friendly Furniture

You’ve got answers to the questions, “What is eco-friendly furniture?” and “What is eco-friendly furniture made of?” The next step is simple: choosing more eco-friendly furniture that doesn’t sacrifice style. Even if you’re not currently in the market for a new chair, table, or desk, Earth Month is the perfect time to start thinking ahead about how your future selections will impact the environment as a whole. What pieces in your home or workspace could be upgraded with a more sustainable option? Every sustainable choice adds up.

A little extra: Want to be inspired? Check out the alternatives to leather furniture and decor for ideas on how to spruce up your home or workspace.