There has been a rising trend of “fast furniture” in recent decades, which is very unsustainable like its cousin, fast fashion. As we all know, furniture production generates a lot of waste and leaves a considerable carbon footprint, from material sourcing to manufacturing, shipping, and ultimately, disposal.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, furniture accounted for more than 12 million tons of garbage in 2018 alone. Shorter fashion trends and cheaper production costs have enabled low-cost seasonal furnishings. Continuously growing demand and shorter product life cycles have amplified the waste problem. More than 80% of discarded furniture ends up in landfills.
Fortunately, some folks have come up with a plan. Instead of throwing old furniture out, one can take advantage of furniture banks.
What is a Furniture Bank?
Furniture banks are registered nonprofit organizations or social businesses that distribute pre-loved household furnishings. They do so at low costs, making them more accessible to people and families in need.
The movement began in the United States and is now gaining traction across North America. Therefore, the system is simple. People with used furniture who no longer need them will come in and donate. From there, items get transferred to those who wish to furnish their homes but are struggling financially.
Typically, community agencies are assigned to furniture banks to ensure that the right people receive the items and not those who will exploit the system. Therefore, it’s a never-ending cycle of giving and supporting. They provide members of society most in need with the resources to build what they can call a real home.
Why is a Furniture Bank Good for the Environment?
WRAP, a nonprofit organization in the United Kingdom, published a 2009 study that found reusing products to be one of the most outstanding resource efficiency measures for lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
So, the said organization has created a way for assessing the advantages of reusing things. The program can compute three environmental indicators: greenhouse gas emissions, energy demand, and resource depletion.
The study found that repurposing furniture pieces is the best way to reduce furniture waste. Because their creation has already had a significant environmental impact, reusing them through furniture banks makes a lot of sense.
The Environmental Impact of Furniture
Over the last six decades, the rise in furniture trash has dramatically outpaced the country’s population growth. The environmental difficulties associated with furniture are vast. But, what is causing this impact?
Recycling Furniture Can Be Difficult
As we now know, Americans toss out more than 12 million tons of furniture waste each year. Only a tiny fraction gets recycled. Of course, one factor to consider here is the diversity of materials used in most products.
Upholstered furniture and mattresses, for example, are notoriously difficult to clean and reprocess. Because of this, tons of waste wood, metal, glass, fabric, leather, and foam wind up in landfills.
As designer Matt Smith rationally observed, furniture sustainability must begin at the designing stage, not at its disposal. So, in an article, he argued how important it is to educate emerging designers on sustainable furniture design and materials. Therefore, the removal and reuse of furniture would eventually be easier for end-users.
Buying New or Upgrading Is More “Practical”
The much-discussed lifestyle of the emerging generation also contributes to the furniture waste problem. Perpetual renters and people with a relatively low income who move frequently would naturally opt for cheaper alternatives, if not knockoffs. When it’s time to move, it’s sometimes more convenient to dump worn-out armchairs or scuffed-up bookshelves. After all, starting over is much more affordable than paying to move an old item to a new location.
Another issue is that, while many manufacturers market their environmental efforts, consumers have not been ready or able to pay the premium for more sustainable items. So, like the rest of “conscious consumerism,” eco-friendly furniture is, unfortunately, marketed to the rich.
Furniture Manufacturing Happens Overseas
Many manufacturers have abandoned local operations and are frequently downgrading their materials. They do this to compete with the price of imported items. Therefore, we are widening the gap between the factory and consumers.
While most businesses have made shipping more efficient, even the most organized supply chain cannot compensate for the sheer number of miles travelled. As a result, the carbon footprint of furniture increases significantly by transporting raw materials and finished items across the globe.
While environmentalism is the current direction manufacturers are going, we can only hope it’s more than just a marketing line. Unfortunately, there are still many companies out there that have no clue about their operations’ environmental impact. While working on the Furniture Footprint Calculator, a resource I created to help companies objectively quantify their environmental impact, I found that awareness can make a huge difference. After all, you can’t improve what you can’t measure.
Furniture Banks Near You
Furniture banks may not be the all-in-one solution to this massive problem, but it’s a good start.
If you need furniture or have furniture to donate, and this article has piqued your interest, then consider looking for a furniture bank near you.
Furniture Banks in Alberta
Fort Saskatchewan Furniture Bank
11242 88 Ave, Fort Saskatchewan
This furniture bank supplies gently used furniture and household products to assist people in need. They are a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers inside a compassionate community.
Shoestring Warehouse
4101 54 Ave, Red Deer
This warehouse accepts contributions of gently used home items in good shape that they can then redistribute. The Outreach Centre is in charge of this initiative.
Women in Need Society (WINS)
137, 7007 54th St SE (Bay 26), Calgary, AB T2C 3C2
Women in Need Society (WINS) is an award-winning nonprofit organization and shopping alternative. They invest in their neighbourhood’s social well-being.
Furniture Banks in British Columbia
Homestart Foundation
Sunset, Vancouver, BC
The HomeStart Foundation is a nonprofit Christian philanthropic organization that assists people in re-establishing their homes. They also provide donated home furnishings to persons in need in collaboration with over 70 partner groups.
Shelter to Home
3255 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver, BC V7R 2P1
They provide furniture and household items to people on the North Shore to help them transition from homelessness to independent living.
Furniture Banks in Manitoba
Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape
606 Selkirk Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2W 2N1
Oyate Tipi is a Winnipeg-based nonprofit that welcomes contributions of gently used home items and furniture. They then deliver to women and children, attempting to improve their lives by leaving poverty and abusive conditions.
Hands of Hope
50 Barnes St, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4Z7
People in need can get free furniture and home products through Hands of Hope. They aim to transform poverty into hope by enabling their community to care for one another. In the last 15 years, they’ve assisted over 62,000 people or nearly 10% of Winnipeg’s population.
Furniture Banks in Newfoundland
Home Again
Division No. 1, Subd. D, NL
Home Again Furniture Bank is a nonprofit that strives to alleviate furniture poverty through a referral system of local groups.
Furniture Banks in Ontario
Georgian Bay Furniture Bank
Collingwood, Clearview, ON
They assist agencies and families in relocating to permanent dwellings.
Helping Families in Need Society
Collingwood, Clearview, ON
They work with over 85 community, government, and nonprofit groups every year to directly support over 1,300 families. This community encompasses the whole Lower Mainland.
Impact Solutions
534 Queens Ave, London, ON N6B 1Y6
Impact Junk Solutions runs an impressive furniture bank mainly for those who are relocating after being homeless.
Final Thoughts
Before you throw away old furniture or buy new, consider donating items to a furniture bank. Although it may not be the most convenient option, it would help to stop waste, and also provide for someone in need.
