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jennyr
Joined: 24 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 3:49 am Post subject: Help me in purchase eco friendly furniture? |
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I love elegantly designed teak and rosewood furniture and personally have no problem till the time Mike visited my home. After a few hours, when he was about to leave, he appreciated my taste of furniture but said “Jenny – you know, the good looking furniture in your home might not be so good for the health of your family”.
I know Mike, he speaks less but always have a reason if he speaks.
Is really by using traditional furniture, I am taking health of my family for granted as Mike (my friend and scientist) believes? I want more opinion before I opt for eco friendly furniture?
Jenny R, Social Activist
Pennsylvania
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markhughes
Joined: 24 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:30 am Post subject: |
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Jenny, I think Mike has a point. Traditional furniture manufacturing processes create emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from glues, stains, and finishes. VOCs are a major contributor to indoor air pollution and outdoor smog.
Many VOCs found around the house, such as paint strippers and wood preservatives, contribute to sick building syndrome because of their high vapor pressure. Plus, it can cause Leukemia and severe respiratory problems.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found concentrations of VOCs in indoor air to be 2 to 5 times greater than in outdoor air.
I use environment friendly furniture for my home and clinic. And as a doctor advise you to do so.
Dr. Mark. E. Hughes |
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gleearch
Joined: 07 Jul 2005
Posts: 185
Location: Oakland, CA , USA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:54 pm Post subject: |
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Can I ask what you would do with your existing furniture?
Throw it in a landfill? How old is it? If fairly new, you maybe right about worrying about VOCs. But then again, you would also need to worry about your carpet, the paint in your house, thinners, sealants, primers, etc. Basically anything installed in your home that releases VOCs. Including that new car smell. If you have a new car.
If it has been in place for awhile, there may not be as much or any off gassing. You can have it tested. Should before tossing it out and buying new environmentally friendly furniture. That furniture still takes energy and resources to manufacture. However if buying new, environmentally friendly furniture is a worthwhile option to consider.
Discarding your old furniture isn't environmentally responsible. Have it recycled, salvaged, rehabilitated or reused if possible. Donating your furniture would allow you to avoid landfills.
Being environmentally conscious and responsible are very admirable goals to pursue. Just remember that almost everything we do has an impact. Finding the right balance is always difficult.
_________________
Gerard Lee Architects
http://www.gleearchitects.com
San Francisco bay area, Oakland, CA based sustainable architecture & planning firm specializing in residential, education, commercial, community & civic projects. |
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