Green Outdoor Furniture

Becoming environmentally conscious is on more and more consumer's minds these days

, and it extends to buying outdoor furniture. Until the past year or so, finding green products in this category was difficult but there trend is changing. Now, it is possible to find well designed, durable garden furniture.

The market has many new eco-friendly products, and they are appearing at every pricing level. Both manufacturers and retailers are much more conscious of their offerings and it makes the choices bigger. Manufacturing efforts to recycle material is at an all time high along with making certain that plastics no longer contain harmful chemicals. It's good news for design as well as the pocketbook.

By far, the greenest products out there today are those made of 100% recycled plastic. The process of injection molding has advanced to a point that more stylish designs are available. While some are traditional and even look like wood, others are slick and modern in design. The days of the stacking chairs from discount stores are drawing to a close, and consumers who used to hide them can now have products to be proud of instead.

Also high on the eco-friendly scale are aluminum products. Most don't realize that today at least 31% of all aluminum is now recycled and the percentage grows annually. In the process some amazing new designs are coming out of a renewed interest in the material. Consequently, many new styles are to be found in all market areas. Whether traditional or modern, this is a huge bonus for consumers both with a nod to the environment and to their bank book.

While many consumers think that teak is a sustainable wood, it is not necessarily the case. Many of the teak forests in India, Thailand and Indonesia have been degraded due to unmanaged cutting. Teak, however, remains a very popular and long-lasting material for outdoor furniture. American teak is more expensive but the forests are better maintained and it is considered eco-friendly.

The most fragile of sustainable materials is rattan and wicker, and both are widely available in all price ranges. Both grow in abundance and are in no danger of being mismanaged anywhere. While each requires more general maintenance than other hardier materials, they have an elegance and warmth that is unsurpassed. Just a little effort in keeping them painted and varnished ensure years of use as well as letting them become more valuable as collectibles in time.

Many manufacturers are now working with eco-friendly materials and will provide consumers extensive information about their efforts on their websites. They explain not only where their materials originate but how their manufacturing is achieved. The consumer will also find that a certain percentage of profits often goes to environmental groups.

It's sensible to think green and especially so when the new designs are so fashionable and great to look at. Whether it is recycled aluminum or a new wood fiber composite, being green no longer means basic, boring styles. Because of their popularity, it is easy to find prices that range from inexpensive to posh without sacrificing good looks. The choices are huge.

Being eco-friendly can also mean simply making outdoor furniture last longer. With easy steps like proper cleaning and maintenance, it is less necessary to replace furniture as often. The benefits are not only environmentally friendly but wallet friendly as well.

by: Gabriel Meriwether.

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