Environmentally friendly furniture. Environmentally friendly materials in furniture production
My home is my castle! Such a phrase can often be heard from people seeking to make their home as safe as possible from external enemies. However, we do not always think about the internal security of our home. Meanwhile, invisible enemies can easily attack us and harm our health. We are talking about toxic chemicals in our internal environment, which do not contribute to the strength of our health.
The fact is that at the moment a wide variety of furniture has appeared on sale, which is beautiful and comfortable. However, manufacturers in the process of a competitive race often do not focus on the safety of their products, but think more about how they can be sold better and faster due to beauty, functionality, and cheap prices. In such cases, the consumer has to learn to navigate the features of the furniture market.
Let's figure out what materials modern furniture is made of and determine the most suitable for use in our home.
An array of wood.
Generally considered the most environmentally friendly furniture. Such furniture is made of pine, birch, oak, walnut, mahogany, alder, etc. It is the most expensive on the market and often lacks trendy appeal (in the form of print, color, design), and in order to to meet your needs - most often made individually, to order. It is more durable and safer in terms of the release of hazardous substances. However, even in it there may be some danger from the point of view of the environmental friendliness of the adhesives used in its manufacture, varnishes, paints, as well as special additives for surface treatment from pests, water ingress. Such furniture must be ordered only from reliable manufacturers with quality certificates for products.
Chipboard.
Chipboard is made from sawdust and shavings, which are glued together with special resins, alas, most often containing formaldehyde, then polished and painted with enamels that may contain phenol. After the production of the boards, they are usually laminated - covered with a paper-resin film, and then the material becomes known as laminated chipboard.
Typically, such a film prevents the release of harmful aldehydes into the air. Therefore, if you have furniture made of chipboard, then check its integrity on the surfaces, and, if necessary, seal these places with PVA or varnish. Also make sure that all edges and seams that expose chipboard material are intact, so you will reduce the concentration of dangerous resins that can be released through them.
Fiberboard.
Fibreboard is made by pressing wood fibers, with the addition of binding elements, also most often containing phenol and formaldehyde, etc.
MDF.
Medium Density Fibreboard is made by dry pressing the fibers and gluing them together with paraffin and lingin (natural wood glue). Thus, MDF boards are safer for our health, but only if they are of high quality, since manufacturers can use epoxy resins instead of natural adhesives, chemical adhesives that also emit formaldehyde.
Plastic.
Plastic furniture is safe only if it is made in accordance with quality standards and used in rooms without temperature differences, away from sunlight and heat (batteries, near gas stoves, etc.) In this case, the risk of release of polymer compounds (styrene) is sufficient short. However, you should not abuse its amount in the interior, because over time there is an imperceptible destruction of the outer covering layer and the release of harmful substances.
Furniture from other natural materials
: vine (branches of shrub willows), rattan - palm lianas, reed meets all environmental requirements and will bring a pleasant variety to your interior.
Whatever furniture you choose, always ask for an environmental safety certificate from the seller, which will indicate the formaldehyde emission coefficient: E 0 is ideal, E1 is acceptable, E2 is average, E3 is dangerous.
Thus, natural materials and MDF are the safest for furniture, provided they are of high quality.
Buying very expensive things, or household goods that are completely free of harmful impurities, you automatically become an eco-consumer. Eco-furniture - is it safe? What upholstery is better to buy, and what to refuse?
It is useful to purchase things that are safe for both the buyer and the manufacturer, only then can they be classified as completely environmentally friendly.
Eco-friendly furniture: truth and myths
Wooden furniture has always been considered environmentally friendly. Is it really? It turns out that the array treated with oil or wax is the purest.
But not always a natural solid wood will be an environmentally friendly material. You should not purchase a bleached array, since chlorine-containing substances are used during processing to achieve this effect.
MDF or chipboard, what to choose? Is chipboard really that dangerous?
- Chipboard should not be placed in the sun and near heat sources - on a warm floor or near a battery, it can emit harmful substances.
- And also be afraid of chips and scratches.
In all other cases, chipboard is quite safe, but it can not be attributed to an environmentally friendly material.
MDF is more prosperous, but not ideal, because it is not a natural material. Both materials must be varnished or laminated. Here it is important to pay attention to what kind of varnish or composition is covered with MDF.
Only water-based varnishes do not emit harmful substances, but they will also last less.
Is the filler of upholstered furniture fraught with danger?
Do you know what your sofa, pillow, chair is filled with? Is your mattress dangerous? Do not know? And absolutely in vain! can be dangerous, and the pillow can cause allergies and various diseases. How to determine what to buy?
Let's start with polyurethane foam, the most common material in everyday life today.
You can only buy PPU without freon, which should be written on the product tag. This means that there are synthetic fibers inside, either processed down or feathers. But even here there are skeletons in the closet, some manufacturers process down and feather with chemicals. To prevent dust mites from settling in them. It is better when the processing is done using sterilization. Such products are marked with a green tag.
Dangerous cotton - non-dangerous flax
Are you sure that cotton is an environmentally friendly and safe material? Do you know how he is going? Even during the harvest, cotton is exposed to chemical attack. So that the leaves crumble and the box with cotton is exposed, the plant is sprinkled with detergents. But that's not all - after cotton is treated with bleaching, lightening and dyed with synthetic dyes.
But flax is not afraid of insects, it is easier to collect it - flax is not treated with chemicals. Looking for a completely safe eco-friendly material? Choose unbleached linen.
What clothes are safe for health?
Choose clothes that wrinkle. Uncomfortable? Be prepared for an unpleasant filling: so that the upholstery does not wrinkle, it is treated with a mixture of resins that contain a very unpleasant cocktail of formaldehyde and glyoxal. To make cotton white-white, it is impregnated with special substances that contain dioxins. Alas, environmentally friendly products are available only in the elite segment, everything else is fiction. For such goods, raw materials are collected by hand, without the use of chemicals. And then covered with beeswax, paraffin or oil. How do you know if a product is safe?
Look for the tag with the "Green Cotton" icon
Upholstery with a surprise
If your sofa upholstery or mattress cover is washable, you shouldn't rejoice - it contains chemicals that help keep the cover from shrinking, often treated with artificial resins, which can easily contain formaldehyde.
So, in order not to be afraid of your own sofa and upholstery, choose upholstery that is subject to dry cleaning only.
Another way out is to buy sofas upholstered in organic wool, look for such an inscription on the tag - Wolle organic wool. Organic wool is unaffected. But you should know that the price of such wool is huge, as it is rarely found.
Silk upholstery is quite safe for humans, but since chemistry is used to speed up growth, sometimes formaldehyde and substances that disinfect can be found in it. In order to make silk heavier, metal salt solutions and silicates are used. It is not dangerous for humans, but when disposed of it is very harmful to the environment, which is why silk is not considered a completely eco-product.
Often, eco-style uses cheaper materials from virgin raw materials, usually you can see three twisted ribbons on the tag.
Is leather an eco-friendly material? Yes, the skin is quite environmentally friendly, even though natural acids and chromium salts are used in the processing - all these substances are safe for humans. But colored skin can be dangerous, because it is not clear what dyes were used.
Leading furniture manufacturers around the world are increasingly striving to use environmentally friendly materials in their production. Tables and chairs, walls and cabinets, sofas and armchairs made of natural ingredients or at least free of toxic and harmful ingredients will bring peace and comfort to your home. We list materials that will not harm human health and the environment.
Let's start with upholstered furniture. In upholstered furniture, the use of environmentally friendly materials is extremely important; for example, natural fabrics (cotton, wool, linen, velvet) instead of synthetic ones in the upholstery of sofas and armchairs. will last longer. Genuine, neatly dressed leather is the most prestigious and at the same time practical type of covering. With proper care, it will retain its appearance for a long time. Also environmentally friendly is nubuck - this is genuine leather that has been treated with special means so that it acquires a soft and fleecy texture reminiscent of suede. Let us dwell on nubuck in more detail, because this material has recently been actively introduced into the production of upholstered furniture. Nubuck has high strength, as well as water-repellent properties, increased wear resistance, antistatic effect, heat resistance. So, for example, to remove ink or grease stains from furniture made of nubuck, it is necessary to moisten a napkin with water or a solution of washing powder and rub the contaminated area in a circular motion. Using a dry cloth, carefully remove any remaining moisture. That's all!
Recall that the “specialist” in sofas and armchairs with leather upholstery and nubuck upholstery is the Keoma factory, which recently presented in Moscow at the iSaloni exhibition 2013, their latest novelties.Separately, in the production of environmentally friendly upholstered furniture, it is worth mentioning polyurethane foam - it is often used in seat cushions, backrests and armrests. This high-tech material is also environmentally friendly, and at the same time it allows you to achieve maximum comfort for upholstered furniture: there are different degrees of rigidity.
Products close to upholstered furniture are mattresses for beds. As for them, here you can also find options made only from natural fillers. These include coconut coir, natural latex (from rubber tree sap), horsehair, sisal, seaweed. Natural components are usually more expensive, but at the same time they are no less durable than their synthetic counterparts, and, unlike them, are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.
And now let's get back to cabinet furniture and the environmental friendliness of the materials used in its production.
Solid wood is by far the most natural material in the production of cabinet furniture. Wood is used to decorate countertops and facades of sets. Usually, coniferous and hardwood types of wood are used for this - oak and beech, pine and ash, walnut and cherry, yew and larch. The coating is often treated with special compounds (stains, impregnations) to give it water resistance and a brighter color, or to create an unusual visual effect (patina, gilding). Paints, waxes and varnishes that are applied to the surface of an object undergo the most thorough examination. According to GOST, in furniture production it is recommended to use only compositions of the 3rd (moderately hazardous) and 4th (low-hazardous) classes. Solid wood furniture is considered the most expensive and elite. Here you can also name wicker furniture made of rattan and bamboo. Armchairs, chairs, bookcases and other pieces of furniture from Indonesia, of course, can also be classified as environmentally friendly and made from natural materials.
The veneer comes right after the array - it is practically not inferior to it in popularity and is the same environmentally friendly, but much more budget option. This cladding material is thin sheets of wood, so it retains the texture of wood. In addition, veneer can be used to create plywood.
Chipboard (chipboard) is a material that you should definitely give up in your home, although in Russia it is still used in the manufacture of furniture: beds, tables, cabinets and other items. This material is the leader in the number of harmful substances. It contains phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins that are unsafe for health, which act as its binding component and provide strength. The intensity of formaldehyde release depends on the temperature and humidity in the room: the warmer, the higher the formaldehyde content in the air. Therefore, all chipboard products are pasted over with a protective film or veneer. Now chipboard is being replaced by other, more harmless modern compositions and materials.
MDF (finely dispersed fraction) is considered an environmentally friendly material. It is created by pressing very small wood shavings, and the binding element is lignin, a substance that wood releases when heated. The production does not use carcinogenic epoxy resins and phenol. Furniture made from MDF boards is not susceptible to mold and other fungi, and this is another plus in its favor, especially in rooms where there are children. MDF is durable and wear-resistant, it can be washed with cleaning products.
In the production of kitchen sets, HPL plastics are often used. It is a synthetic material, but it is also considered environmentally friendly. Decorative plastic consists mainly of cellulose and natural resins. It is famous for its resistance to moisture and abrasion, so it is suitable for cladding facades and countertops.
PVC plastics (polyvinyl chloride) can also be called environmentally friendly. They are light, strong and yet durable. At the same time, plastic furniture attracts dust, and plastic surfaces can act as sources of static electricity, which forces such coatings to be finalized.
Materials such as glass, aluminum and stainless steel are also not capable of exerting a harmful effect on human health.
Furniture made from environmentally friendly, natural materials usually sells for a higher price than its counterparts made from synthetic materials, the safety of which is a big question. However, to paraphrase a well-known proverb, we can safely say: this is the case when health can be bought.
There is no organic category for furniture, as is used in food and clothing labeling. Although some items may have the word organic in the product name or description.1. Choosing upholstered furniture
Let's start with home furnishings, where you can find the word organic on a label or in a product description.- Cushioned furniture: Look for chairs and sofas upholstered in natural organic fabrics and filled with natural latex foam.
- Mattresses: organic cotton, organic wool and natural latex are good alternatives to the materials used to make conventional mattresses. Most organic latex mattresses have a core wrapped in wool (naturally flame retardant) or cotton or a combination of both, and some are usually wrapped in a combination of these materials. Choose mattress pads made from organic cotton or organic wool.
2. Consider bamboo
Bamboo furniture is a good option. Although technically not a tree (it's a herb), it looks like a tree, and is usually grown without pesticides. Because it is growing so fast that resistance to renewal is not a problem for it. The only downside is the traffic trail.3. Transportation
Since transportation also uses energy, responsibility in transportation is also part of getting sustainable furniture.- Furniture must be transported efficiently without overcoming excessive space and energy during transport.
- Local furniture using only local production and raw materials has less.
4. Stay away from toxic materials and finishes
The easiest way to avoid toxins like formaldehyde is to buy furniture made from materials that don't contain them.Choose hardwood furniture that contains less paint. Rarely glass and metal furniture.
5. Try to avoid:
- Upholstery marked SPAIN RESISTANT, it may be toxic
- Inflatable furniture, faux leather and vinyl furniture covers. All may contain phthalate-based PVC.
- Furniture made from chipboard, fiberboard, plywood - anything that may contain formaldehyde adhesives.
- Avoid all tropical hardwoods (mahogany and teak) as well as mahogany and many western cedars, which tend to be made from irreplaceable old woods - unless certified.
Look for local furniture makers and artisans in local newspapers, craft websites, and craft fairs. Look for artisanal furniture made from salvaged trees and wrought iron, organic wool and cotton, and recycled fabrics.
7. Choose functionality
Furniture should also be functional and durable.- Opt for multifunctional furniture
- Durability also matters because well-made furniture with a longer functional shelf life contributes to the health of the planet without filling landfills.
8. Vintage furniture
Vintage and antique furniture are two of the most sustainable choices you can make for home furnishing. There are no hard and fast distinctions when furniture becomes antique; for some people it's all that well forgotten old, others argue that the items must be at least 20 years old.Antique furniture is technically anything made 100 years ago. Most people simply assume that these are furniture made at the turn of the 20th century. In any case, if it is old, it does not use any additional energy, water or other resources associated with production.
If you are choosing antique furniture, keep the following in mind:
- Furniture must comply with current safety regulations. Please note that the furniture is not radioactive.
- Vintage painted furniture made before 1978 may contain lead. Old antiques - early 19th century - most likely not. Lead paint is a problem, if it peels off, you can cover it with varnish, for example, but this can affect the look and value of the piece. If you have small children around, you might want to think twice before purchasing these items or wait until your children are older.
- Finishing or restoring antiques is also usually best left to the experts. If you're thinking about refinishing or repainting 20th century furniture, you'll find that all paint contains lead and you should take appropriate precautions when working with it.
9. , recovery and repurposing
Getting creative with reusing household items is a great way to come up with furniture and accessories that are truly one of a kind. It can also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, 90 percent of everything manufactured in the US ends up in landfills less than a year after production.10. Furniture
If you have a love of tinkering or have a craftsman you know, you can make your own furniture from scratch. Work with wood that has been pulled from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, old buildings - or work with wood that has a history that can make this furniture even more special.The situation in the house plays a significant role in the maintenance and preservation of human health. Wall and floor decoration, furniture, textile materials can cause serious complications and exacerbations of chronic diseases if harmful components were used in their production. In the modern world, many manufacturers focus on the production environmentally friendly furniture, which is in ever-increasing demand among buyers who prefer a healthy environment for their homes.
Furniture items are bought for more than one year, so even a slight content of harmful impurities in the materials, varnishes and paints that were used in their manufacture can be harmful during prolonged contact with a person. One of the most dangerous substances used in furniture production is formaldehyde. Even a small concentration of it in the air can provoke allergies and asthma. Therefore, when buying furnishings, especially for a children's room, for a bedroom, it is important to purchase environmentally friendly products.
Why choose wood furniture
Giving preference to furniture made of natural wood is the right choice, because the tree contains beneficial phytoncides that stand out even when the product has served for several years. In addition, it is no secret that trees have positive energy. Do not think that solid wood furniture is not affordable for everyone. Domestic manufacturers make excellent products from inexpensive species - birch and pine.
In addition, the tree fits perfectly not only in, but also in almost anyone.
Vine furniture - an eco-furnishing option for home and garden
Beautiful and practical wicker furniture is in increasing demand. Initially intended for country houses, it successfully took root in city apartments. Graceful tables, cabinets, armchairs and rocking chairs, especially beloved, are made of rattan, willow or bamboo. There are also combined options with glass or steel. Such items, despite their elegance and apparent fragility, can last up to 25 years. They do not require special care, are easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, and their only drawback is that they are afraid of rain.
How to check if furniture is environmentally friendly
- When buying, ask the sellers for an environmental certificate. Having a certificate guarantees that the product does not contain, for example, cadmium used in paints or lead.
- If new furniture emits a strong smell, you should think about its environmental friendliness. Despite the fact that according to GOST, the smell should disappear in no more than 2.5 months, such a purchase can turn into an unnecessary headache. After all, well-being largely depends on the air in the apartment.
- When choosing a bed or sofa, avoid products on foam rubber - over time, it decomposes, which leads to the release of harmful substances.
- Give preference to upholstery made of natural, non-electric fabrics.