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5 Things to Look for in Eco-Friendly Outdoor Furniture
by Annie B. Bond | May 20th, 2009 | 9 Comments
topic: Eco Decorating, Green Living
Most of the outdoor furniture you’ll see at your local big box stores is plastic or metal, but there is a wide array of outdoor furniture made with natural fibers or other eco-friendly materials. Here’s a guide to five types of materials to look for in eco-friendly patio or deck furniture:
1. Wicker made from rattan palm vine. Native to Asia and traced back as far as 2500 B.C., rattan palm vine can grow 600 feet long. What an abundant gift from nature! Rattan cane and reed are both processed from this vine and are used to make the oldest and most traditional wicker furniture. The rattan vine is used as the framework because the vines themselves can grow to 3 inches wide. After the thorns and outer layer of the rattan vine have been removed, the outer bark is sliced into the cane found on chair seats and backs and as the wrapping used at the joints of wicker furniture.
2. Bamboo or willow, both good eco-friendly natural fiber choices for outdoor furniture.
3. Wood labeled as sustainably grown harvested. Examples include western red cedar, which is naturally resistant to bacteria, fungus, and insects; or eucalyptus, another fast-growing hardwood that can be harvested from renewable plantations and is weather resistant. This eucalyptus table has a nontoxic tung-oil-based protective coating, and it’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
4. Recycled materials, like a homemade birdfeeder.
5. Aluminum (if you prefer metal for your outdoor furniture), because it won’t rust, it’s very light, and it will last for decades with little maintenance.
I have passed many a tranquil hour in warmer months on the wicker couch on my front porch, with its natural fiber cushions, drinking iced tea and just looking at the garden or listening to the birds. If you don’t have such a place, I urge you to make your own outdoor oasis.
This is great info. I am looking around for new patio furniture right now and these tips will be very helpful.
[...] when it comes from responsibly managed forests. And there’s another way to help the planet when purchasing wood furniture — one that can also help your budget: buying [...]
Thanks for these pointers. It is so difficult to get most people to understand the idea of “sustainability”. I hop more find this and read it.
Some interesting information on Eco Garden Furniture, will continue my search – Thanks
Growing up my mom has always had wicker patio furniture, it was always what she went with when it came to having a choice.
This is a nice little resource for honing down some of the best alternative sets to buy & use. Many people don’t consider anything but wood sets and that’s a shame, especially depending on where they live.
A little video here helps further: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3r3ODkxrvI
Remember, if you live near the sea, the salt air can make a set look old real quick, that’s why I liked the fact you mentioned sets that come in made of aluminum. A great alternative when living near salty air!
insightful
I love rattan furniture! I know its horribly unfashionable these days to own rattan couches but I always prefer sitting on furniture made with natural fibers rather than cold aluminum furniture everyone seems to be into these days.
Indeed, furniture constructed from wicker is not just durable but also promotes green living. It has been more than 50 years since my Grandmother acquired her rattan porch conversation set. Today, it lies outside my house, and I can stay, still in good shape. Thanks for mentioning red cedar. I am fond of wooden benches and tables. I think red cedar can be suitable for my next purchase. Thanks for sharing.