Guide to buying Green Furniture

It's Earth Day 2010 and everyone is talking about how they can make their lives more “green.” Recycling, Reducing and Reusing are good first steps, but there's another major way to make your home more eco-friendly that you may be overlooking.

Consider that furniture is one of the major purchases you make in your life. Now, if you are trying to get better gas mileage on your car and cut down on your utility usage for your home, why wouldn't you consider going green with your furniture purchases?

Consider the following guide to making smart, green decisions while shopping for new furniture.

1. Look for FSC Certified Wood. FSC wood is wood that has been certified by the non-profit Forest Stewardship Council. The FSC certification means that the wood is sustainable and has been harvested in a responsible manner. This means everything to living a green-lifestyle because it means that the Earth's forests are being maintained and ecosystems have not been destroyed.

2. Consider Bamboo furniture. Bamboo is a very fast growing plant, meaning that it can be an almost never-ending resource. It's is also very versatile material, able to be used for everything from flooring to furniture.

3. Reclaimed Wood. Furniture built from old furniture, buildings, bridges and barns is a green alternative to “new” wood. In addition on top of being a green-alternative, it lends distinctive character to your home.

4. Buy local furniture. While you may think that green furniture pertains to what it is made out of, another big factor is where it came from. The farther away the furniture is made, the more fuel and resources it takes to move it to its final destination. And more fuel and resources equals a less green product.

5. Buy Durable Furniture. It's easily overlooked, but if you buy good, quality furniture it's more likely to last for years. So even when you're ready to part with the furniture, it may have use left for friends/family. Which means less material that is used in the long term.

Shofer's Furniture in Baltimore, Maryland features many different brands of furniture and bedding that is considered green. And we have the professional, experienced sales staff to help you with your selection. Take the next step in going green, and take a closer look when making a furniture purchase.