Part three of a four-part series
Select solid wood furniture that is made with sustainable materials and little or no toxic finishes. Bookcases, desks, dressers and other wood furniture may appear to look like solid wood but is often made from particleboard, plywood or medium-density fiber boards (MDF) all of these materials outgas formaldehyde. According to the EPA this colorless strange-smelling gas can cause eye, nose and throat irritations, and coughing, fatigue, skin rashes, and allergic reactions. It also has been revealed to cause cancer in animals and is classified as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization.
Buy the best and buy sustainable furniture with little or no toxic finishes. Buy furniture that is made to last and doesn’t need to be replaced with in a few years. Solid wood furniture is usually more expensive than pressed wood because it is made of higher-quality materials. When considering purchasing a new piece, check carefully to make sure it is actually solid wood. Wood elements should be FSC certified from well-managed forests. Many manufactures save on production by constructing the front from solid wood and the back, side, shelves and drawer bottoms from particleboard or plywood. Also, consider the finish on solid wood furniture. Look for furniture with low-VOC water-based or waxed finishes. If your furniture has a standard finish, air it out before bringing it inside and be sure to ventilate the room.
Antiques and secondhand furniture are excellent options for healthy and sustainable wood furniture.
In the past, furniture was usually made from solid wood. Purchasing secondhand furniture made with pressed wood products is safer than buying new because formaldehyde offgasing decreases as a furniture piece ages.
Next in our series – Upholstered Furniture
Why is eco-friendly lighting important to elevate your sustainable lifestyle?
