Most of us want to do what we can for the environment. When we learn that Americans throw away over 12 million tons of furniture each year, most of which ends up in landfills, we might wonder what we can do to reduce this waste.

These days, claims about sustainability are everywhere. Sometimes it’s hard to know which claims to take seriously. The fact is, however, that there is such a thing as eco-friendly furniture. It is possible to make furniture decisions that reduce waste, conserve precious natural resources and at that same time make our homes healthier.

What Is Sustainability?

Sustainable furniture is more than just furniture made from natural products or pieces that can be recycled. In measuring sustainability, we consider the entire life cycle of the product. That includes the materials, the manufacturing process, transportation, product longevity, product maintenance, and whether it can be repurposed, recycled or upcycled when its useful life as furniture is over.

Another thing you can look at is certifications. The most environmentally responsible furniture manufactures and sellers may be members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), an organization of businesses that embrace policies that drive eco-friendly wood sourcing. Members have pledged to reduce their use of carbon, water, waste and harmful chemicals. Another organization, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), authorizes its label on wood furniture that is sustainably grown and does not contribute to deforestation.

Sustainable Woods

Furniture manufacturers are the world’s third largest consumer of wood. Only the construction and paper industries use more. There are several ways that environmentally mindful furniture builders make the most of the precious resource they work with.

Reclamation: New Life for Old Wood

When wooden structures, some dating to the 1800s, are torn down, there’s no reason to throw the wood away. Much of this wood is now being rebuilt into reclaimed wood furniture. It comes from such sources as old grain elevators, barns, bridges and wharves. In the 21st century, this classic wood finds new purpose as rustic tables, cabinets and bed frames. Often it has saw marks, nail holes and stains that give it character you don’t find in newer wood.

Also, older wood can be sturdier than lumber being milled today. It often came from trees that were hundreds of years old. Such wood has a density and strength that more rapidly grown lumber can’t match.

Woods That Last

Even when wood is harvested from sustainable forests, it’s not a good deal for the environment unless the furniture is built to last. This includes not only the wood construction but metal components such as spring systems on sofas and chairs. Make it a point to look for furnishings that are constructed with pride and quality.

In furniture wood, there are different species that lend well to sustainability. The king of longevity is teak. Teak is high in natural oils, moisture does not penetrate it and the wood resists rot. Even when used in teak outdoor furniture, the wood can last a lifetime and longer.

Woods That Renew Themselves

All trees are renewable to some degree, but some take centuries to regrow, while others, such as mangoes and rubber trees, add several feet a year and are quickly ready for harvest. There are also plants such as bamboo, cane and rattan that aren’t true trees but can be built into furniture much like wood. These are not only eco-friendly choices but also produce unique items. For example, a bamboo table can be baked rather than stained, and the result is strikingly grained bamboo furniture where no two pieces look exactly alike.

Plastics and Polywood

An ideal way to keep plastic out of oceans and landfills is to reuse it by rebuilding it into furniture. Plastic patio furniture often contains up to 90 percent recycled materials. One of the most attractive and effective of these transformations is polywood, where the recyclables are processed and extruded in planks that resemble real wood.

This “wood” is then used to create everything from outdoor tables to benches to Adirondack chairs. You get eco-friendly furniture that doesn’t skimp on durability and comfort yet can stand up against rain, snow, sunshine and changes in temperature.

Friendly Fabrics

While wood is the main ingredient in most furniture, fabrics also play a significant role. Linen, cotton, wool and hemp are natural fibers for upholstery; these are easy on our planet. Recycled polyester is another environmentally positive option.

Mattress Matters

Not everyone thinks of mattresses as an opportunity to embrace sustainability, but some mattresses are more eco-friendly than others. Today there are mattresses that feature sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, wool, recycled steel, and natural latex. These materials can provide comfort benefits along with environmental benefits.

Additionally, some mattress manufacturers use innovative practices and quality materials to produce mattresses with zero landfill waste as a testament to their dedication to sustainability.

With all the greener furniture options that are available today, you don’t have to sacrifice style, comfort and durability to furnish your home with eco-friendly choices. With just a bit of attention to what you’re selecting, you can purchase furniture that you’ll feel good about for more reasons than one.