Great Green Idea: Green Furnishing: Green Furniture: 5 Tips on How to Go Green

Green Furniture: 5 Tips on How to Go Green

With just a little imagination and planning, it is possible to create a lovely green interior without spending a lot of money. Making choices like buying natural furnishings is so much easier because of the wide selections of materials and styles that are now available. These are just a few of the many ways to furnish a green indoor environment.

For some, wood furniture pieces are essential in their homes. If this is the case it is still possible to make environmentally friendly choices for wood furniture. Choosing wood furniture that does not support deforestation is becoming easier as more information is made available about sustainable wood. The Forest Stewardship Council and Rainforest Alliance are some of the leading organizations that identify sources where wood has been harvested responsibly. Manufacturers of this wood respect the earth's need for the oxygen and other environmental benefits supplied by trees. Buy wood that has been certified as sustainable or purchase reclaimed wood to support tree preservation.

Most people don't realize that there is more than meets the eye when they bring in that new piece of furniture. Furniture, as well as other new products brought into the home, releases substances into the air. Some of these may be quite harmful to health. Chief among these are flame retardant chemicals and insulation. Carefully consider buying natural furnishings for the home that are made of non toxic or low toxic organic materials.

A green interior can also be achieved by purchasing vintage or antique furniture. Furniture that has been around for half a century or more is extremely durable; which is a good way to go green because it lasts longer before having to be replaced. Another benefit to buying older furniture is that enough time has passed since it was made so it will not release harmful gasses into the air like new furniture does. But if deciding to refinish an old piece, it should be refinished with natural paint or varnish.

It would surprise people how many green accessories they already own which can be repurposed. Taking an excursion around the house, garage and outdoor spaces can uncover potential decorating accessories before even purchasing something new. Long forgotten pictures or rugs can be moved to a new area to create a fresh look. Potted plants and outdoor foliage can be used as perfect accents to natural furnishings around the house.

Lastly, when it is time to shop for furniture and accessories, remember to stay green by buying local goods. Support the economy in the area by buying products from businesses in the neighborhood. This also saves on shipping and handling costs and more importantly, the environmental impact that shipping and receiving goods has.

Lastly, when it is time to spruce up that green interior in the future, pay attention to how the materials are discarded. If it is not possible to reuse something in another part of the house, give it away or sell it to someone who will make use of it. This will be a part of keeping the cycle of sustainability alive and well.