If you are even beginning to read this article chances are that you are concerned about green living and trying to do the most to reduce your footprint on the environment. Many factors go into choosing the right garden furniture solution and it is not always easy to determine the best way to achieve that goal.
For example, one of the best ways to approach the purchase of green living as it applies to garden furniture is by supporting industries and manufacturers that promote the use of environmentally friendly materials. But what exactly does that mean? Well, first and foremost, look for oversight by independent internationally respected agencies that inspect and demand a clearly defined set of guidelines-a kind of good housekeeping seal of approval if you will-except it is for environmentally responsible practices. For Wooden Garden Furniture, The FSC Council is a good place to start.
These green living practices include sustainable logging, adherence to policies on protected forests, and the ability to document all claims. This would protect and ensure that materials used in the manufacture of wooden furniture will be there for future generations to enjoy.
Once it has been determined that the raw wood is sourced responsible, it is also important to look at the finishes and upholstery fabric not only on wood furniture but metal, resin, and many other materials as well. The use of VOC’s which stands for “volatile organic compounds” has become a topic of extreme concern as it applies to the solvent industry. VOC’s are a componant of many paints and coatings. The methods of production, composition of the compounds, and application procedures are a complicated issue in determining what is safe and what is not.
Suffice it to say that many manufacturers are working to improve the impact on the environment and as a concerned consumer, look for those companies that promote the use of these safer alternatives.
Outdoor fabric technology has produced solution dyed acrylic and polyesters, capable of withstanding the harshest of outdoor elements with amazing results. The manufacturing processes required to produce these fibers have improved dramatically in recent years in terms of air pollution. The use of natural fabrics which must be kept indoors in inclement weather or used in protected areas are more eco-friendly. If your lifestyle permits and you are willing to move cushions in and out as required, there is no better choice with a wide variety of organic cottons, hemp, bamboo, linen, and recycled fabrics being introduced on the market.
In addition to the above green living topics as they apply to garden furniture and fabric, it is also important to consider how far the furniture must travel to get to you. Increasingly, the practice of supporting local artisan work, recycling and repurposing found objects in garden decor, and using reclaimed teak and other woods for new furniture is gaining in popularity. Vintage garden furniture has enduring charm and there is nothing more satisfying than extending the use of items destined for land fills in new and innovative ways.
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Whatever choices are right for you as you create your own outdoor space, there are many ways to beautify your home and keep our planet beautiful as well.