I’ve heard of fast fashion, but have you thought about fast furniture? It’s cheap stuff, mass-produced without much regard for quality, designed to be tossed after just a few years.
To make matters worse, toxic substances known as “Forever Chemicals,” or PFAs, have been found in a number of budget furniture items.
So, how can you dodge the environmental and health pitfalls of fast furniture? Let’s talk about creating a cozy home with a sustainable twist.
Please select second-hand first
Opting for second-hand furniture isn’t just easy on your wallet; it’s one of the most sustainable choices you can make.
In Australia alone, about 30,000 tons of commercial furniture waste is produced each year. The exact amount of household waste is less clear, but it’s estimated that 95% ends up in landfills.
Buying second-hand helps keep perfectly good items from being wasted, reducing not just landfill contributions but also the airborne emissions and resources tied to new furniture production.
After picking up an old home in Tarntanya (Adelaide) in 2021, I started hunting around on online marketplaces and thrift shops to furnish it all. Now, as I glance around my small house, nearly everything—my sofa, coffee table, bed frame, bedside table, and even a vintage full-length mirror—was sourced second-hand. Even the fridge and pantry cupboard came from here and there, along with my work desk and some unique light fixtures.
Choose natural materials and fibers
A key goal while decorating was to make my home healthier, which meant prioritizing natural fibers for furniture and decor items.
Recent studies have shown that many Australians might be ingesting or inhaling microplastics from synthetic flooring, furniture, and home goods.
But natural materials can be pricier, so I again turned to second-hand options.
With some patience, I uncovered wool rugs and linen sheets in great shape. I also made it a point to select older furniture that was built to last, particularly pieces made from robust wood.
Plus, second-hand items don’t come with that dreaded “new furniture smell,” which actually indicates the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These compounds often dissipate shortly after purchase, meaning second-hand options are generally less toxic.
Check with certifying bodies when buying new
If buying second-hand isn’t your thing, you should still be savvy about your new purchases.
Patrizia Torelli, CEO of the Australian Furniture Association, suggests starting your search with a third-party certifying body. Organizations like Australia’s Good Environmental Choice, Furntech’s Green Tick Program, and B Corporation can help validate sustainability claims.
You can also ask for product specifications to check what materials and chemicals were used in production. What you might learn can be pretty shocking.
A 2022 report found that common furniture finishes, glues, and flame retardants often harbor toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and PFA, some of which have been banned by the federal government.
Just think—you might buy a beautiful fabric sofa, but those so-called enhancements like water repellents can come packed with harmful chemicals.
Locally manufactured furniture tends to be less harmful overall, while many imported products may be treated with chemicals before arriving in Australia.
Ask questions and explore end-of-life options
Torelli emphasizes the importance of asking yourself various questions to determine if a piece is made ethically and sustainably:
- Was it made locally in Australia?
- Is it crafted from renewable or recycled materials?
- Is it easy to repair or renovate?
- What recycling or reuse options are available at the end of its life?
Several major furniture brands now provide repair services, and some even have programs where old, unwanted pieces can be taken back for renovation and reuse.
There’s a lot to think about when shopping for a new sofa, but hopefully, the process will become smoother in the future. The Australian Furniture Industry Stewardship Council’s Furniture Passport Australia System features digital trackers that monitor the origins of materials and their environmental impacts.
You could soon scan a product code in-store to find details on its makeup, where it was made, and how it can be repaired.
Until that day comes, it’s on us as consumers to dig a little deeper, ask questions, and ensure that what we’re buying is worth both the price and the impact.
