subject: What You Should Know About Green Furniture [print this page] Many consumers these days are attempting to buy more and more goods that are environmentally green. This concept also extends to outdoor furniture, and until the last year or so, the choices have been limited. It was difficult to find well-crafted, truly recyclable products that were durable and lasting. Now, the market has changed.
Much of this is due to manufacturers becoming more conscious and in tune with public awareness of the environment. They now recycle old material and avoid chemicals which can do harm. The concern about future recycling is also of great importance to them. This is fantastic news for consumers and for the environment itself, and the techniques used don't make outdoor furniture necessarily cost an arm and a leg.
The greenest products on the market are the 100% recycled plastic outdoor furniture. These pieces are injection molded and come in some amazing new styles and designs. Some have a wood look while others are sleek and contemporary. These are a far cry from the familiar, inexpensive stacking chairs seen at the big box stores too.
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.
Teak is still one of the most popular outdoor furniture woods, but sadly most teak forests are not sustainable. Many think they are because it is a relatively fast growing wood, but there is gross mismanagement in many of Indonesia's, India's and Thailand's teak forests. There is a bigger effort in the U.S. to properly manage teak production, and while the prices are higher, it is home grown teak that is more 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.
In doing research on sustainable furniture, the many companies who have jumped into the market, provide extensive information on their websites. Most explain at great length where their materials originate and how their product is manufactured. Aside from contributing part of their profits to environmental groups, many also feature very interesting articles on the environment.
Not only is becoming greener a sensible step to take but it is being made easier with fabulous design work and competitive prices. Whether outdoor furniture is made of recycled materials or from those of sustainable forests, it means that being eco-minded doesn't have to look boring. Green products are now found in big box stores as well as from high-end distributors so the selections are vast and easy to find.
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.
