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jennyr
Joined: 24 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 3:49 am Post subject: Help me in purchase eco friendly furniture? |
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I love elegantly designed teak and rosewood furniture and personally have no problem till the time Mike visited my home. After a few hours, when he was about to leave, he appreciated my taste of furniture but said “Jenny – you know, the good looking furniture in your home might not be so good for the health of your family”.
I know Mike, he speaks less but always have a reason if he speaks.
Is really by using traditional furniture, I am taking health of my family for granted as Mike (my friend and scientist) believes? I want more opinion before I opt for eco friendly furniture?
Jenny R, Social Activist
Pennsylvania
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markhughes
Joined: 24 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:30 am Post subject: |
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Jenny, I think Mike has a point. Traditional furniture manufacturing processes create emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from glues, stains, and finishes. VOCs are a major contributor to indoor air pollution and outdoor smog.
Many VOCs found around the house, such as paint strippers and wood preservatives, contribute to sick building syndrome because of their high vapor pressure. Plus, it can cause Leukemia and severe respiratory problems.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found concentrations of VOCs in indoor air to be 2 to 5 times greater than in outdoor air.
I use environment friendly furniture for my home and clinic. And as a doctor advise you to do so.
Dr. Mark. E. Hughes |
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gleearch
Joined: 07 Jul 2005
Posts: 185
Location: Oakland, CA , USA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:54 pm Post subject: |
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Can I ask what you would do with your existing furniture?
Throw it in a landfill? How old is it? If fairly new, you maybe right about worrying about VOCs. But then again, you would also need to worry about your carpet, the paint in your house, thinners, sealants, primers, etc. Basically anything installed in your home that releases VOCs. Including that new car smell. If you have a new car.
If it has been in place for awhile, there may not be as much or any off gassing. You can have it tested. Should before tossing it out and buying new environmentally friendly furniture. That furniture still takes energy and resources to manufacture. However if buying new, environmentally friendly furniture is a worthwhile option to consider.
Discarding your old furniture isn't environmentally responsible. Have it recycled, salvaged, rehabilitated or reused if possible. Donating your furniture would allow you to avoid landfills.
Being environmentally conscious and responsible are very admirable goals to pursue. Just remember that almost everything we do has an impact. Finding the right balance is always difficult.
_________________
Gerard Lee Architects
http://www.gleearchitects.com
San Francisco bay area, Oakland, CA based sustainable architecture & planning firm specializing in residential, education, commercial, community & civic projects. |
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janina69
Joined: 18 Dec 2008
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:06 am Post subject: |
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| I think rosewood is a very good material for contemporary furniture. Please don't try to waste it. |
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kitty00
Joined: 15 Feb 2009
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:55 pm Post subject: |
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There is nothing wrong with trying to reduce the number of things in the home that have VOCs, even if you have just bought new furniture...especially if you may be in the process of getting furniture for other parts of your house.
I would love to purchase recycled teak furniture to help out with deforestation, but I had not actually thought about the VOC's that may be used in it (can anyone comment on this?)
Unfortunately we cannot always afford a home decked out with eco-friendly furniture- but perhaps if everyone could add just a few peices to their home it would have a great impact on
1) creating greater demand in the furniture industry and
2) make a small difference to the health in our home.
Additionally, adding plant life to your home also is important to absorbing all the nasties. I think natures ability to help out in this area cannot be under-estimated! |
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naturecomeshome
Joined: 01 Mar 2009
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 7:04 pm Post subject: Rosewood |
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Apparently you are not the only one with good taste: rosewood is an endangered wood.
"Herman Miller. 1993: Cherry and walnut from sustainable sources replace endangered rosewood on the Eames® lounge chair and ottoman." |
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