Environmental considerations when purchasing furniture are now imperative. While it often takes more time to source, it also slows down the destruction of our planet—the use of natural and synthetic materials both present problems in their fabrication. Raw materials, such as wood, are being cut down faster than reforested. Artificial materials are often made from fossil fuels, which pose serious health risks to our ecosystem—factory pollution creates many of the materials used and this contributes to poor air quality.
The solution? Take your time. Ask questions at stores. Research companies if you are purchasing something new. Let your legs work as you walk from Upcycle furniture store to store looking for what you need.
I'll dive deeper into the details in my upcoming book, An Embodied Home.
Photograph by Roman Khripkov