Devra sent us an email: HELP! I've got an unprecedented (for me, at least) opportunity to make an investment in sustainable furniture, and what I really want to do is find a good bed. I've dedicated hours and days to combing designers and showrooms, and I've come to two conclusions: people who buy sustainable furniture either live in trees or on abandoned ships. I love the idea of reclaimed wood and sustainable materials, but is there something out there that would fit into my decidedly non-arborial (or maritime) aesthetic?
Many, many thanks,
Devra G.
(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
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stephanie - i love the bed on this page (sadly only in one size!!)
but still worth mentioning:
http://www.re-modern.com/furniture.html
On the more expensive side - I love this one:
http://www.vivavi.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=821
One last link with multiple beds:
http://www.eco-furniture.com/
Good luck!
:)
tara
view The Littlest G's profile
I don't mean to seem down on "green" furniture. But frankly you have to be exceedingly careful with any furniture item you buy from that category. Like yourself, I've also seen stuff that fit better in a treehouse or dungeon, as well as pieces labeled "green" made of particleboard, or that otherwise exhibited poor design. And let's not talk about the astronomical prices.
It seems to me the best and greenest thing you can do is purchase furniture designed to last a very long time. In other words, buy pieces built well enough to be handed down to your grandchildren. They should have durable finishes, be well designed and constructed (dovetailed drawers, mortise and tenon joints, etc), and built of solid woods not particleboard.
Wood furniture finishes have been developed over literally hundreds of years and before I would buy any furniture with some sort of new "green" varnish, stain, or oil, I would want well-documented evidence that such a finish would be as durable as the older techniques. Your furniture won't seem so green if 5 years after you buy it, you have to pay for a refinishing because the original "green" finish wore off.
view John H's profile
Its also always green to buy things that last forever, like John H said. Go to flea markets or estate sales and get yourself a good old solid four poster bed or old metal bed. You re-using it means it isnt in a landfill somewhere.
view Amphetamine's profile
I second Amphetamines suggestion. You have a world of style choices in second-hand furniture plus there is no consumption of resources whether green or not. Best of luck.
view Annieo's profile
and.................any outgasing of toxins has already ocurred with second-hand furniture........so you are most likely bringing into your home a piece of "green" furniture anyway.
view JacksonMarie's profile