Buying Furniture, "Ummm last time I checked we needed Trees"... ;)

Hi, we need those trees folks why not go another route,
        The first good thing I have to say about buying vintage 20th Century and older furniture. Think about it, if you buy used furniture, you’re recycling instead of having it tossed into a landfill somewhere. That’s good. Secondly, and even better is the fact that most furniture made before the 1970′s is much better made in regards to the wood quality and craftsmanship. I’ll bet that almost any of the “disposable” new furniture bought today will be worthless, falling apart and in the trash within 10 years. A third fact is that sadly the once thriving furniture manufacturing business in the United States has now moved overseas for the most part. Like so many products sold today, a lot of furniture is made in China or South East Asia. We have lost a generation of skilled craftsmen to this rude fact, let alone millions of jobs associated with the whole furniture industry.

     "Well listen you little Hippie I don't like antiques"... You may say, well here ya go for the modern eco friendly furniture consumer.  But re-purposing is the best...  There had to say it once more ;)!!!

Ikea’s efforts are encouraging, however there are still flaws in their ideas. Completely phasing out solid wood could have the effect of creating more junk in landfills. Solid wood furniture lasts for hundreds of years if well cared for or properly restored, Ikea furniture does not have this longevity. With Ikea’s continual growth, their carbon footprint has also increased 13 percent since 2006 despite their efforts.
  But at the end of the day buying from them is still supporting somewhat of a positive movement towards change.  Besides they are FSC Forest Stewardship Council
certified.
 
To be FSC certified, these suppliers must follow the FSC principles:
   1. Prohibit conversion of forests or any other natural habitat
   2. Respect of international workers rights
   3. Respect of Human Rights with particular attention to indigenous peoples
   4. Prohibit the use of hazardous chemicals
   5. No corruption – follow all applicable laws
   6. Identification and appropriate management of areas that need special protection (e.g. cultural or sacred sites, habitat of endangered animals or plants)

Not many of furniture stores, or big business have this certification.   SHOCKER Right!!!!

Some food for thought

Environmentally Friendly Harvesting Practices:

Favorable growing conditions across much of the U.S. including the Northeast mean that its hardwood forests are most effectively sustained through natural regeneration. Hardwood trees reproduce themselves naturally either by seedlings or sprouts from roots and stumps. Foresters practice eco friendly techniques to work in step with nature’s cycle, thereby ensuring a sustainable supply of timber for wood products. A good example of such techniques is selective harvesting. Instead of clear-cutting width patches of land, specific trees or small groups of trees are designated for harvest to minimize the impact on the environment. Single tree harvesting mimics nature, where single trees or small groups of trees die and fall, or are blown down by strong winds. Such harvesting practices encourage new timber growth and biodiversity. Eco friendly harvesting techniques help forests to regenerate and renew themselves – and their supply of wood – naturally.

 Here are some cool places to go to get antiques or re-purposed furniture.  I know that everyone's style is different but here are some of my favorite finds!!

  *Every second sunday you will find me here, they have some really cool stuff..

 http://www.sacantiquefaire.com/

Thrift stores are also the way to go, you can always get a piece from a thrift store and a six pack and have it be a fun weekend project sprucing the piece up..

Also Etsy is a positively delectable place to find goodies, here are a few of my favorite shops.  All small business and all re-purposed or antique materials.  I personally feel better helping out individuals who make things to order instead of big business....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/honeystreasures?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCubbyHoleCorner?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/usacreations?ref=seller_info


 Tread lightly!