Shopping For the Environment
With growing concerns about global warming, most people these days are environmentally conscious when purchasing new items.
We recycle paper, cardboard and vegetable peelings to make compost, in order that our planet will be safe for future generations.
When purchasing new items a major consideration is whether they are made from sustainable/recyclable materials and choose accordingly.
For the home it's now possible to buy environmentally friendly furniture and the eco sofa has recently been introduced.
There are several designs available, either made from sustainable recycled cardboard or reclaimed timber.
The most environmentally friendly products have fitted cushions which are made from fabrics which are biodegradable.
This is a major breakthrough in our efforts to slow down global warming, as old shabby furniture is dumped at landfill sites or burned, causing carbon emissions to pollute the air.
However, at this stage, with new eco designs in their infancy, not many products are available and they tend to be of basic and uninspiring designs.
There is much less choice available in eco ranges and only the 'greenest' environmentalist would be tempted to choose the eco alternative to the plethora of traditional styles available.
Prices are also much more expensive - you can pay upwards of £3000 for a sofa made from reclaimed timber with the FSC Recycled certification.
A basic upright sofa made from sustainable cardboard, with strengthening supports dividing the cushions, will cost upwards of £500.
Out of the reach of many households, and the designs are remarkably similar to a church pew! Also, as eco sofas are imported from Sweden and other countries, increasing air miles and carbon footprint, it is questionable whether buying an eco sofa would in fact be better for the environment than purchasing a sofa made from traditional materials closer to home.
The sofa is usually the focal point of the living area - a place to relax, watch TV, get your feet up and chill! With the rigid upright styles available in eco ranges, it would be impossible to be comfy and relaxed.
The seating is often cramped for space and the strengthening supports of many eco sofas made from recyclable cardboard would restrict movement.
Apart from uninspiring designs, the furniture doesn't appear to have enough strength to last.
It would be more environmentally friendly to purchase an item which would last for a greater length of time, then give to a charity when thinking of renewing.
We recycle paper, cardboard and vegetable peelings to make compost, in order that our planet will be safe for future generations.
When purchasing new items a major consideration is whether they are made from sustainable/recyclable materials and choose accordingly.
For the home it's now possible to buy environmentally friendly furniture and the eco sofa has recently been introduced.
There are several designs available, either made from sustainable recycled cardboard or reclaimed timber.
The most environmentally friendly products have fitted cushions which are made from fabrics which are biodegradable.
This is a major breakthrough in our efforts to slow down global warming, as old shabby furniture is dumped at landfill sites or burned, causing carbon emissions to pollute the air.
However, at this stage, with new eco designs in their infancy, not many products are available and they tend to be of basic and uninspiring designs.
There is much less choice available in eco ranges and only the 'greenest' environmentalist would be tempted to choose the eco alternative to the plethora of traditional styles available.
Prices are also much more expensive - you can pay upwards of £3000 for a sofa made from reclaimed timber with the FSC Recycled certification.
A basic upright sofa made from sustainable cardboard, with strengthening supports dividing the cushions, will cost upwards of £500.
Out of the reach of many households, and the designs are remarkably similar to a church pew! Also, as eco sofas are imported from Sweden and other countries, increasing air miles and carbon footprint, it is questionable whether buying an eco sofa would in fact be better for the environment than purchasing a sofa made from traditional materials closer to home.
The sofa is usually the focal point of the living area - a place to relax, watch TV, get your feet up and chill! With the rigid upright styles available in eco ranges, it would be impossible to be comfy and relaxed.
The seating is often cramped for space and the strengthening supports of many eco sofas made from recyclable cardboard would restrict movement.
Apart from uninspiring designs, the furniture doesn't appear to have enough strength to last.
It would be more environmentally friendly to purchase an item which would last for a greater length of time, then give to a charity when thinking of renewing.
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