What is Sustainable Furniture?

"GREEN OX here, coming to you from the cyberPasture. So, I was chewing the cud with a couple friends at the local watering hole, and they asked: "Green Ox, does sustainable furniture really matter anyway?" I just kept chewing and thinking you stoopid cow. Yes, I love my kin, but really people. Do we not get it by now, sustainable is the only way. If you aren't sustaining yourself/ your business/ your materials - you are sinking in to non-existence, non-competitive markets.

If cows had a choice when they went to buy furniture, research shows that they will choose GREEN! huff! But, let's not get sidetracked here. We are talking about sustainable furniture, DANG IT!

Dumb Cow: Uh, Green Ox, what makes furniture 'sustainable'?

GREEN OX: Ok, I will explain it for you, but just once, so take that dirt out yer' ears and listen:

Sustainable furniture is made of material that has certain characteristics. It is recycled or re-purposed, renewable, and uses safer materials.

Dumb Cow: "So could I compile all the cow patties in the world and put them in old tires and send them to the cyberPasture on an airplane and..."

GREEN OX interrupts.

GREEN OX: Please never speak out of turn. It really is just a waste of time, Dumb Cow. You see, The materials is just a part of SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE.

The MANUFACTURING and TRANSPORTATION of the product matter, too! Responsible manufacturing and energy-conscious transportation is necessary for furniture production to be considered sustainable. Ideally, furniture is sourced locally using available resources.

Dumb Cow is glazing over.

GREEN OX: "Listen, Dumb Cow. Before you check out to La-la-Land, one last thing: the USE of the furniture is an important component to sustainable furniture.

The piece of furniture should be usable and durable . Furniture that increases efficiency by providing greater utility for the user, such as multifunctional furniture is always preferable.

Durability matters because well made furniture with a longer functional lifespan contributes to the health of the planet by not adding to the landfills.

Dumb Cow: So, should I shoot down to Ikea and grab one of them chairs they beat on all day with a machine? That's durability!

GREEN OX: it's made of particle board...

Dumb Cow: so its a PARTicle of something...that's re-use

GREEN OX abruptly backhands Dumb Cow with the his glove.