Go Green - Another Voice for Furniture Reuse

I find that the internet provides many ideas about how to design and decorate using green principles.  There is a whole industry growing up around these concepts.  One key element of this trend is to look around for those items that are already "produced" or "manufactured".  Precious resources have already been harvested and used; labor and commerce have already been involved in the production and transportation of the goods; and, further resources would have to be spent on waste removal and treatment.  This latter issue is emphasized on an internet site I found this morning - The Daily Green by GoodHousekeeping.com.

Instead of tossing out old and worn furniture, reupholster it to bring new life, and cut down on waste and further resource use.  Many antiques dealers would kill to get their hands on the bones of much of the furniture that is unceremoniously thrown away, left out in the weeds or even burned as firewood. Between 1960 and 2001, discarded furniture and furnishings swelled from 2.2 million tons a year to 8.1 million tons, reports the EPA. Furniture is bulky stuff that takes up a lot of landfill space.

Waverly Huron Fabric on Chair and Ottoman

Tufted Loveseat in Braemore Print

One of my blog series deals with the topic:  Saved from the Dumpster!   I have found MANY great pieces of furniture heading there and have saved them by refurbishing, reupholstering and putting them into the marketplace for purchase and re-use. One of my favorite sayings is that a fine piece of upholstered furniture can service this generation and many generations to come!   Here are some examples of fine pieces brought back to life!