Enviro-friendly furniture
H.C. from South Surrey/White Rock writes:
I want a couch that is made with wool/latex stuffing and environmentally-friendly fabric but can’t seem to find anyone other than Upholstery Arts in Vancouver that makes anything like that. Can you direct me to any other furniture makers, particularly in the lower mainland? I’m not interested in IKEA sofas. What questions should I be asking furniture stores to ensure I am getting a more environmentally-friendly product?
Lindsay responds:
So you’re looking for furniture without VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), sustainably harvested wood, flame retardants and toxic resins? I too have been in local furniture stores asking this very question, and this indeed is a challenge no matter where you live in Canada.
You are correct about Upholstery Arts. They have sustainable products with organic cotton fabric and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood. I’m not familiar with other companies and here at the Foundation we can’t recommend brand or companies, so we haven’t done the research to make a list.
I think you’ll have to do some "Google" searching and see what you can find. I know from my own research that IKEA banned flame retardants in their products back in 2002, plus they tend to use lumber from tree farms and not ancient, old growth forests. BC Wood Products is another source of cool designs on Granville Island.
If you head into any bookstore, you’ll find a large selection of "green" books. The problem is trying to find one with Canadian-based information and resources. Adria Vasil, author of Ecoholic (an excellent resource for just this type of information) suggests that there are many on-line sources, although they will cost you. I highly recommend her book (see page 165)!
Basic tips include:
- avoid polyurethane foam fill, especially if it’s treated with flame retardants (PBDE’s)
- solid wood is best, avoid particle board and the like because of the resins, glues, waxes and paints
- when buying wood, look for the FSC symbol (Forest Stewardship Council)
Best of luck with your search! If we all keep demanding better products, the stores should figure it out sooner than later!
Tags: Adria Vasil, environmentally friendly, flame retardants, FSC, furniture, green books, Lindsay, organic cotton, particle board, sustainable, VOCs, wood, wool
November 6th, 2008 at 3:16 am
We make what you are looking for. We produce our non-toxic upholstered furniture with natural and organic components in LA. We also do custom work- design your own sofa or we can design one for you.
Sincerely,
Donna Halloran
EKLA HOME
November 6th, 2008 at 6:13 am
H.C.
Be very careful with any involvement with latex. Latex allergies are on the increase, are severe and potentially deadly. I have a very close friend who has one and believe me, you would never want to experience your eyes swelling shut and your airway closing - or that of a family member or guest just because they are in the same room as your couch leave alone sitting on it. Latex allergies are so extensive that even eating bananas and kiwi fruit can set off a reaction. Latex balloons are immediately effecting.
If you want to do something truly environmentally friendly, consider buying something preloved and having it recovered (or not!). All of the products that create the couch you have mentioned in your note above require some level of new agricultural or industrial practice, new manufacturing processes, new packaging and perhaps transglobal transportation to marketplace. Used goods do not. They have already made that environmental footprint the first time around. ‘Used’ is going to be the new ‘black’. Get there before the others!
Lynne Taylor