Green Living and Outdoor Furniture: The Natural Connection

If you are even beginning to read this

article chances are that you are concerned

about green living and trying to do the most to

reduce your footprint on the environment. Many

factors go into choosing the right garden

furniture solution and it is not always easy to

determine the best way to achieve that

goal.

For example, one of the best ways to approach

the purchase of green living as it applies to garden furniture

is by supporting industries and manufacturers that

promote the use of environmentally friendly

materials. But what exactly does that mean?

Well, first and foremost, look for oversight by

independent internationally respected agencies

that inspect and demand a clearly defined set of

guidelines-a kind of good housekeeping seal of

approval if you will-except it is for

environmentally responsible practices. For

Wooden Garden Furniture, The FCS Council is a

good place to start.

logging, adherence to policies on protected

forests, and the ability to document all

claims. This would protect and ensure that

materials used in the manufacture of wooden

furniture will be there for future generations to

enjoy. More About Bamboo Garden Furniture

Once it has been determined that the raw

wood is sourced responsible, it is also important

to look at the finishes and upholstery fabric not

only on wood furniture but metal, resin, and

many other materials as well. The use of VOC's

which stands for "volatile organic compounds"

has become a topic of extreme concern as it

applies to the solvent industry. VOC's are a

componant of many paints and coatings. The

methods of production, composition of the

compounds, and application procedures are a

complicated issue in determining what is safe

and what is not.

Suffice it to say that many manufacturers are

working to improve the impact on the

environment and as a concerned consumer,

look for those companies that promote the use

of these safer alternatives.

More about eco-friendly finishes Metal Garden Furniture

Outdoor fabric technology has produced

solution dyed acrylic and polyesters, capable of

withstanding the harshest of outdoor elements

with amazing results. The manufacturing

processes required to produce these fibers have

improved dramatically in recent years in terms of

air pollution.

The use of natural fabrics which must be kept

indoors in inclement weather or used in

protected areas are more eco-friendly. If your

lifestyle permits and you are willing to move

cushions in and out as required, there is no

better choice with a wide variety of organic

cottons, hemp, bamboo, linen, and recycled

fabrics being introduced on the market.

topics as they apply to garden furniture and

fabric, it is also important to consider how far

the furniture must travel to get to you.

Increasingly, the practice of supporting local

artisan work, recycling and repurposing found

objects in garden decor, and using reclaimed

teak and other woods for new furniture is

gaining in popularity. Vintage garden furniture

has enduring charm and there is nothing more

satisfying than extending the use of items

destined for land fills in new and innovative

ways. More about Antique Furniture in the Garden

Recycled Garden Gates and Fragments

Whatever choices are right for you as

you create your own outdoor space, there are

many ways to beautify your home and keep our

planet beautiful as well.

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