When purchasing new furniture or beds we often need to think about the furniture being replaced as part of the circle in promoting good ecological habits. There are several options that we can use to recycle or re-use your old furniture.

1.) Consider donating your furniture. Businesses like the Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries puts your older furniture back into circulation for others to use. The proceeds they generate from your furniture in turn helps to provide jobs and allows your furniture to find new life with a new family.

2.) Recycle your furniture. Wood furniture “can” be recycled at your local recycling center. There are also many local authorities who can assist in helping you to safely dispose of your furniture for recycling.

3.) Offer it to your family or friends. Your older furniture may be in tip top shape and if that’s the case you may still have sentimental feelings towards it and want to keep it in the family. If that is the case you can offer it to those you know who may have a need for the furniture.

4.) Try selling it. Many times your furniture may hold good resale value if it is a name brand or high-end piece of furniture. If that is the case why not sell it in a local newspaper ad or try selling it through online auctions like ebay or other online marketplaces.

Many of the options above give the added benefit of the furniture being safely and responsibly recycled or re-used which is an important step before shopping for new furniture and creating good eco-friendly habits. We need to avoid having older furniture added to landfills and we should make every effort to find a safe means of recycling our older furniture. After you’ve made arrangements to have your older furniture recycled or re-used you’ll want to start looking at some alternatives available in eco-friendly materials for furniture. There are many options available in furniture but one such material is becoming quite popular in green furniture. It’s called bamboo.

Bamboo is an interesting ecological friendly choice for a wide variety of products. What makes this product considered a green choice in furniture though is the process through which it is harvested and replanted. Many believe bamboo is a type of wood but it actually is classified as a grass. From the time it is seeded to the time it reaches maturity for harvesting is approximately 5-7 years. The stalk of the bamboo hardens and becomes tighter (harder than maple wood) which is then harvested and processed into a variety of products including boards which can be used for building and construction. It can be reseeded once harvested in as little as three months and because bamboo grows so quickly often reaching heights of 70 feet tall, this replenishment is quick with little to no impact on the environment.

Many domestic hardwoods like oak or ash do make great choices for furniture. In this modern age of resource conscious ecological living though many of us recognize that once an oak or ash tree is harvested it takes almost 40-45 years for a new one to be planted and grown to maturity. Many lumber companies do act responsibly with their cutting and harvesting of those trees but the maturity. However, if alternatives exist (like bamboo) and can be used in certain types of furniture in place of other woods then we should consider those resources ahead of others. Bamboo beds, nightstands, dressers and bookcases are just some of the many pieces of furniture made from this plant. The bamboo plant is even used in making fabric which is used in many types of mattress coverings.

In this article we looked at the two aspects of purchasing new furniture. We examined the responsibilities of what we should do with the older furniture. In the way of donating it, recycling it, giving it away or selling it. Doing these things allows our older furniture to be recycled and re-used creating a positive environmental impact. When getting ready to find new furniture we explored alternatives to domestic woods in the way of bamboo. Bamboo is fast growing, can be reseeded in less than three months after harvesting and provides material even harder than maple. Bamboo is a positive resource for eco-friendly furniture and if it is an available option should be considered ahead of other products. These suggested practices are not only good for you and others but for our environment as well.

• 6′ Bamboo tree
• Artificial Plant for low maintenance
• Home or office decor
• Over 1800 leaves
• Real Bamboo trunks

Product Description
The Laura Ashley Brand is known for harmonizing tranquil colors and classic shapes allowing you to bring the calm feel of Zen to your home décor. Our 6′ Bamboo tree features thousands of airy bamboo leaves on natural stocks Looks great among live plants or alone in a sunroom, solarium or office setting…. More >>

Laura Ashley 6′ BAMBOO TREE

• 8′ Tall Bamboo tree
• Artificial Plant for low maintenance
• Home or office decor
• Over 3200 leaves
• Designer planter

Product Description
The Laura Ashley Brand is known for harmonizing tranquil colors and classic shapes allowing you to bring the lush tropics to your home décor with this Multi-trunked bamboo tree. The majestic silk plant showcases thousands of leaves on a natural trunk. Use this tree as a decorative accessory to add dramatic appeal to home or office…. More >>

Laura Ashley 8′ BAMBOO TREE

• 8′ Tall Bamboo tree
• Artificial Plant for low maintenance
• Home or office decor
• Over 3200 leaves
• Designer planter

Product Description
The Laura Ashley Brand known for harmonizing tranquil colors and classic shapes brings you this stunning Bamboo tree which stands 8′ tall and features thousands of “real touch” bamboo leaves on natural trunks. Real touch foliage creates a natural look and feel which has been meticulously crafted of the finest material. Makes a great housewarming gift or accent for the office area…. More >>

Laura Ashley 8¿ HARVEST BAMBOO TREE

• Three must have items bundled together as a set!
• Machine wash, gentle cycle, cool water, mild soap. Dry on low or lay flat to dry.
• 95% Viscose from Bamboo 5% Spandex
• One Size Fits most
• Pesticide free and made from a sustainable and renewable resource.

Product Description
Dreamsacks Bamboo Baby Gift Set is pesticide free and made from a sustainable and renewable resource. Includes a knit blanket, hat and socks. The perfect babys gift set. The bamboo material is hypoallergenic which provides better breathability and comfort. Bamboo is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and easy to care for. Blissfully soft to keep your baby happy…. More >>

DreamSacks Bamboo Baby Gift Set

• Stylized top, cropped pants.
• Also makes for cozy maternity pajamas.
• The cropped pant fits comfortably over or under mama’s belly.
• S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14), XL (16)
• 95% Viscose from Bamboo 5% Spandex

Product Description
Dreamsacks Bamboo Women’s Pajamas are pesticide free and made from a sustainable and renewable resource. The Kat Pajama set offers a lucious feel but also breathability due to the bamboo. Even works well as cozy maternity pajamas. Bamboo is sustainable, environmentall friendly, and easy to care for…. More >>

DreamSacks Bamboo Dreams Kate Pajama Set

• Elastic at the bust offers light support.
• Small (6-8), Medium (10-12), Large (14), X-Large (16)
• Machine wash, gentle cycle, cool water, mild soap. Dry on low heat or lay flat to dry.
• 95% Viscose from Bamboo 5% Spandex
• Pesticide free and made from a sustainable and renewable resource.

Product Description
Dreamsacks Bamboo Tank Gowwn is another sweet addition to our woman’s nightwear, this cozy gown falls above the knee and has adjustable straps. Elastic at the bust offers light support. The bamboo material is hypoallergenic which provides better breathability and comfort. Bamboo is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and easy to care for. This short tank gown offers great versatility…. More >>

DreamSacks Bamboo Short Tank Gown

• 70% Viscose from Bamboo 30% Organic Cotton
• Wash Cloths – Sets of 2 – 13″x13″
• Hand Towels – Sets of 2 – 16″x30″
• Bath Sheet – Individually – 36″x70″
• Bath Towels – Sets of 2 – 30″x54″

Product Description
Dreamsack Bamboo Towels feature plush softness. This combination of fibers creates a perfectly luxurious and absorbent towel with added benefit of being grown sustainably and free from harmful chemicals. The ribbed weave adds sohpistication. We know you will enjoy these towel as we have…. More >>

DreamSacks Bamboo Ribbed Towels

• Lap shoulder design for easy on and off.
• Made from a blend of 95% Viscose from Bamboo and 5% Spandex.
• Naturally antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, thermal regulating and provides over 98% UV protection,
• Incredibly soft and super absorbent, yet breathable.
• Care instructions: Machine wash, gentle cycle, cool water, mild soap. Dry on low or lay flat to dry.Care instructions: Machine wash, gentle cycle, cool water, mild soap. Dry on low or lay flat to dry.

Product Description
The BambooDreams Baby Long Sleeve Tee is comfortable and versatile. Lap shoulder design provides easy on and off over baby’s head. Pair with the BambooDreams Baby Pants for a matched set. Available in assorted colors your baby will love the buttery soft feel of bamboo. In addition to having a luscious feel, bamboo is hypoallergenic and allows your skin to breathe, making you comfortable all day and night. Bamboo is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and easy to care for. We think bamboo is a miracle plant!… More >>

Bamboo Baby Long Sleeve Tee by DreamSacks

• Feel good about what you cozy up close to your body.
• Enjoy a sumptuously soft woven blanket.
• 100% Viscose from Bamboo
• Box weav

Product Description
Dreamsacks Bamboo Blankets are pesticide free and made from a sustainable and renewable resource…. More >>

DreamSacks Bamboo Woven Blankets