Green San Francisco Interior Design Newsletter
Monday, March 2nd, 2009
HOW GREEN IS THAT TABLE? With the interest in green interior design increasing, there is a risk of information overload when shopping for environmentally friendly furniture. It’s a huge topic to tackle, but these key factors will start you on the sustainable path.
Reclaimed barn doors at Heritage Salvage
1. Reduce, Re-use, Recyle. It’s basic but very true. Before immediately purchasing a new furniture item, consider buying a vintage or antique piece. They have a lot of character and will not be using up any additional resources.
2. What is the furniture made of? If it’s wood furniture you are looking for, determine what the veneer (thin decorative covering of fine wood) and sub-layer beneath consist of. Veneers preserve rare trees by using only a fraction of the wood that would be needed if the piece were solid.
The use of a more abundant species of solid wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a good option. Avoid using particle board as a sub-layer, since it is not very durable and is likely to end up in a landfill at the end of its short lifespan. Check to see if the type of wood used is renewable (grows quickly), reclaimed (re-used for a new purpose), and/or responsibly harvested. The highest stamp of eco-friendliness is an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood.
If you are in the market for upholstered goods, consider what types of fabrics, glues, and fillers are used in the furniture. Some manufacturers, such as Verellen, offer organically grown fabrics that are grown without the use of pesticides. Do your homework, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3. Where is the furniture made? If a dining table travels halfway across the world to get to you, does it matter that it was made from reclaimed wood? The fossil fuels consumed to get it here might offset the benefit of using reclaimed lumber. Consider the integrity of the manufacturer whom you are supporting, and what types of commitments (if any) they make to their community and the environment.
* Need professional help? Interior Designer Bay Area *
Tags: FSC certified, green interior design, green interior designer bay area, green materials, reclaimed wood, san francisco green interior design, veneers
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