Sofas that Have you Sitting Pretty in Eco-Style
Buying a sofa is a major purchase and it’s a piece of furniture that you will probably hold on to for a few years. So it makes sense to do your homework and buy a sofa that fits your eco-aware lifestyle.
But how do you know if the sofa truly is Green? Fortunately, over the last five years, Green Furniture manufacturers (like Cisco Brothers, Greener Lifestyles, Amy McKay, Viesso, Robert Craymer, Eco Sofa and Hickory Chair) have stepped up to fill the eco-chic furniture niche. And yes, each of these manufacturers create GORGEOUS, green, eco-fabulous furniture! Just take a look at the eco sofas we picked as our environmentally-friendly favorites (shown above). These sofas are as eco-friendly as they are gorgeous.
When shopping for an eco-friendly sofa here’s s are six items you need to look for:
1. SOFA FRAME
Look for furniture that has received the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) certification. The FSC concentrates its efforts on setting standards to achieve sustainability in the harvesting of forest products. There are various woods that are harvested with sustainability in mind.
Consider non-wood alternatives such as Bamboo. This plentiful grass is an excellent environmentally friendly furniture material since it grows quickly, is easily replenished and does not require replanting. Bamboo is a strong material that has been used through Asia as scaffolding, has gained tremendous popularity as flooring material and is quickly gaining favor in the textile world as a fabric of choice for those seeking sustainable and organic upholstery alternatives.
2. CUSHIONS AND FILL
Natural Latex harvested from rubber trees is eco-friendly, bio-degradable, mildew and mold resistant, has anti-microbial qualities and is renewable. A wonderful alternative to the environmentally destructive polyurethane foam (petroleum based) that can cause chemical sensitivities and languishes in landfills.
Down & Feathers that are cleaned with non-toxic substances.
Wool is a favorite among the eco-savvy, and for good reason. Wool is a renewable material, naturally fire retardant and has wonderful anti-microbial qualities.
Organic Cotton that is treated with environmentally friendly pesticides, and given color with non-toxic dyes.
3. UPHOLSTERY
Hemp, organic cotton, silk, wool, bamboo and leather offer a multitude of eco-fabulous fabric options.
4. RECYCLED MATERIALS
Reusing discarded materials ranging from recycled steel coils to recycled cushion fibers made from plastic water bottles keeps them out of landfills and contributes to a cleaner planet.
5. ADHESIVES, STAINS AND PAINTS
Water based adhesives are usually 100% solvent-free and emit no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are bad for the environment and bad for our respiratory health.
Look for non-VOC sealants, stains or paints that use polyx oils derived from plant oils and waxes or are water-based rather than petro-based products like oil-based polyurethanes.
6. RECYCLING PROGRAMS
Now that you have a new stylish, eco-friendly sofa on order, What to do with your current sofa? List it on on eBay, Craig’s List, donate it or participate in a vendor sponsored recycling program. Many Green furniture manufacturers, such as Viesso, have recycling programs in place to accept their brand of furniture when the time comes to replace the old with the new.
RESOURCES: Viesso.com (Blumen sofa), ecosofa.com,(Organic Dalla Terra Hemp sofa) greenerlifestyles.com (CLEO sofa), robertcraymer.com, ciscobrothers.com(Catalina sofa and Bruno sofa), hickorychair.com(Brooks sectional) and amimckaydesign.com(Emmy sofa – PURE by Ami McKay).
