Exceptional customer service and high-quality products are two reasons why Fairfield Galleries is one of the most visited Fort Wayne furniture stores. A third, equally important reason is that our furniture is more sustainable than the knock-down/ready-to-assemble furniture sold by many big box stores.

What is Sustainable Furniture?

The term “sustainable furniture” describes a product that is eco-friendly, planet-friendly, and environmentally safe. Sustainable furniture differs from non-sustainable, big-box furniture in several ways, not least of which are the materials used in manufacturing as well as the manufacturing process itself. For example, whereas sustainable furniture relies on renewable energy sources and recycled materials, big-box furniture often consists of materials that are harmful to the environment, created by manufacturing processes that pollute more than they prevent.

Sustainable Furniture Materials

Sustainable furniture such as the custom wood furniture designed by Fairfield Galleries is made from materials that incorporate eco-friendly characteristics, i.e. materials that are recycled or repurposed. Sustainable furniture is also notable for its integration of easily renewable materials–for instance, bamboo, which grows quickly and easily and is thus an excellent choice as a renewable resource for sustainable furniture. Moreover, sustainable furniture avoids the use of hazardous chemicals in its composition and instead consists of “ingredients” such as non-toxic paints and stains, which don't emit gas or VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

Using sustainable materials is only part of producing sustainable furniture. Responsible manufacturing practices matter just as much and have a great impact on our planet. Such manufacturing practices have to be safe for the environment, which means manufacturers must limit carbon emissions and other pollution. Sustainable manufacturers also often practice fair trade and don't harm communities or environments to gather materials for their products. Look for certifications on the furniture from authorities such as the Forest Stewardship Council.

Eco-Friendly Transportation

An important but often overlooked contributor to sustainable furniture’s pro-environment qualities is the eco-friendly transportation methods that are part of the production and shipping process. In every industry, the transportation of raw materials and finished products requires energy, but there’s a profound difference between the efficiencies with which an independent furniture store like ours packs and transports its wares, and how a big-box store does. It could be something as simple as our focus on shipping pieces flat and tightly packed together as opposed to transporting bulky items that require lots of packaging. Our status as a producer of sustainable furniture also has a lot to do with the fact that our products are mainly locally sourced materials, which equates to a far smaller carbon footprint than the typical big box store.

Sustainable Furniture and the Importance of Function

The function is another key factor that makes sustainable furniture so appealing. Multifunctional furniture pieces like sofa beds can be used one way for a time and then be repurposed for another use. This extends the “usability lifespan” of the piece, which in turn reduces furniture production resources. Quality is another hallmark of sustainable furniture. The durable, well-crafted pieces we offer won’t need to be replaced anytime soon, regardless of their function and usage level. Consequently, as quality increases, the amount of furniture that ends up in landfills decreases.

See Our Selection of Sustainable Furniture Today

From bedroom furnishings to boardroom décor, Fairfield Galleries is a trusted provider of sustainable furniture to homes and businesses in Fort Wayne. Contact our talented design team today for inspiration and ideas about your residential or commercial space.