How Does Second-Hand Furniture Help the Environment?

Furniture waste has grown appallingly in recent decades. Many have heard of fast fashion, what about fast furniture?

In this article, we’ll discuss how you as a pre-owned furniture buyer can help to reduce the massive waste of natural resources.

According to Worldometer, Singapore is responsible for 48,381,759 tons of carbon emissions in 2016. With the country’s population being more than 5.5 million at that time, the emissions stand at 8.56 tons per capita, contributing 0.14% of the world’s total emissions.

According to the National Environment Agency in Singapore, the country generated 304 tonnes of wood waste in 2020 among which they have recycled 195 tonnes and disposed of 109 tonnes. A substantial amount of this wastage finds its way into the Semakau Landfill.

The above statistics show why the furniture industry in Singapore is like the others across the world. Few would argue that the particular industry is one of the least sustainable and most polluting ones. However, the industry isn’t to be blamed if we can explore other alternatives.

Relying more on second-hand furniture can be a viable solution. Here are some ways to address the current situation in a more sustainable manner:

1. Reducing reliance on Forests and Natural Resources

Forests provide us with huge quantities of resources, mostly including woods. If consumers purchase new wood furniture every year, more trees will be cut down. Ultimately, this can cause more soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and increase in emissions of greenhouse gases.

Alternatively, we can reduce the reliance of woods by leaning towards repurposed furniture. As environmental organizations are trying to encourage people to use wood responsibly, you can contribute to this cause by including some trendy ideas about used furniture in your next plan for home remodeling.

2. Reducing Carbon Emissions

On a global scale, neither Singapore nor its population is very large, but look at the country’s carbon emissions. You know the numbers shouldn’t be neglected. Buying furniture that is locally used or repurposed can definitely help to reduce the carbon footprint.

3. Choosing Sustainable Furniture

Used furniture can be refurbished with eco-friendly materials. To determine if the furniture is sustainable, simply ask the seller about the origin of the materials, and if minimal chemicals are used.

Exotic woods can be better in terms of look and feel, but there are other alternatives to consider. Porcelain, bamboo, and stone are more durable, and most importantly they can be repurposed with less harmful paints and finishes.

4. A Piece of Advice

It is common that buyers who are new to refurbished furniture can get hesitant when it comes to selection of furniture. Wondering how to get the best deals of second-hand furniture while having the due thought for the environment? Visit Second Look and to find out more.

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