Sustainability in the Workplace: Eco-Friendly Office Furniture Options

For businesses committed to sustainability, selecting eco-friendly office furniture is key. Here’s a guide to help you make informed choices and find the right products for your office and reduce waste.

‍

Sustainable Materials to Consider

‍

‍

Reclaimed Wood:

Reclaimed wood is made up of old lumber, such as  from old buildings, barns, and even other furniture. Reclaimed wood reduces waste and minimizes the necessity of having new raw materials derived, thus saving forests from destruction and deforestation. Each piece of reclaimed wood has its history and character, making this the most special addition to your office.

‍

Reclaimed wood furniture, such as desks, chairs, and shelving, is uniquely stamped with a weathered look that can add warmth and personality to any workspace. The wood may be seasoned enough and hardy to survive heavy usage and yet give you a classic look. In using reclaimed wood, you reduce landfill waste and encourage re-purposing valuable resources.

‍

Bamboo:

One of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, bamboo is very renewable. Unlike hardwood, which may take ages to form, bamboo can be harvested every three to five years, making it excellent fuel in order to produce sustainable furniture.

‍

The natural hardness and strength of bamboo make it useful in making a number of furniture pieces, from desks and chairs to storage units. It is light in weight, hence easily manageable and transportable. In this way, the versatility of bamboo makes modern and sleek designs fit into a wide scope of office environments while supporting sustainability practices.

‍

Recycled metal and plastic:

Recycled metal and plastic are a more environmentally-friendly alternative to new materials. Strong furniture pieces in the office, such as filing cabinets, chairs, and desk accessories, can be made from scrap metal and reprocessed plastic by anyone. This not only helps to conserve natural resources but also saves energy expended in making new materials.

‍

One of the major benefits associated with recycled metal is that it is very strong and long-lasting, making it suitable for office equipment. Recycled plastic may be molded into different shapes and designs that would afford both functionality and style. Choosing furniture from these materials supports a circular economy where materials are used again and again but never thrown away.

‍

Eco-Friendly Upholstery:

Eco-friendly upholstery is one of the most important considerations when choosing green office furniture. Traditional upholstery might be composed of harmful materials that may have been treated with a variety of toxic chemicals which will off-gas into the space. On the other hand, eco-friendly options are made with less harmful materials and are healthier for both people and the environment. Recycled content fabrics are also a viable alternative to traditional textiles. Other top-rated options are organic fibers like cotton or wool that have not been treated with synthetic chemicals or pesticides.

‍

‍

Where to Buy Eco-Friendly Office Furniture

‍

Local Green Furniture Stores: In Toronto, Aero Furniture offers eco-friendly options with personalized service. The Reclaimed Wood Exchange specializes in unique reclaimed wood furniture. EQ3 provides modern, sustainable furniture and delivers to Toronto.

Online Retailers: West Elm Canada features a range of eco-friendly office furniture with sustainable materials. Wayfair Canada offers various styles and price points. Green Depot, though U.S.-based, collaborates with Canadian businesses for shipping.

Manufacturer Direct: Steelcase Canada and Herman Miller Canada offer extensive sustainable options with local showrooms in Toronto. Humanscale Canada provides ergonomic, eco-friendly designs through Canadian dealers.

‍

‍

Certification and Quality Assurance

‍

Look for these certifications to ensure sustainability and safety:

‍

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification: Ensures wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Cradle to Cradle Certification: Indicates products are designed with recycling and sustainability in mind.

GREENGUARD Certification: Confirms furniture meets strict indoor air quality standards and is free from harmful chemicals.

‍

Michaels Global Trading offers furniture liquidation services to help you sell and replace your office furniture and equipment. We also provide consultation services for space planning and office design, ensuring that your furniture meets both functional and aesthetic requirements. Call us today at 888-471-5066, or for more information, visit our website.

‍