Sustainable Outdoor Furniture
Date published 28 September 2020
We have seen them all before; old, sun-faded, and dilapidated outdoor furniture that is barely holding itself together. Cheaply made and destined for landfill, it is far too common a sight in the backyards, parks, and common areas of New Zealand and beyond.
As New Zealand’s park and street furniture experts, we understand the importance of sustainable furniture design. That is why Urban Effects is committed to keeping a keen focus on ecological sustainability in everything we do.
As lovers of the outdoors, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are doing all that we can to prevent bringing harm to the natural environment that we enjoy so much. Only now are we beginning to understand the permanent and damaging impact that we have had on the natural environment, and how important it is to change our habits for the better. This is the basis of the sustainable design philosophy.
“Environmentally sustainable design is the philosophy of designing physical objects, the environment and services to comply with the principles of ecological sustainability”
By carefully selecting outdoor furniture that has been built with sustainability in mind, you can change the effect you have on the world that will be inhabited by your children, grandchildren, and beyond.
What are the Benefits of Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Outdoor Furniture?
There are many reasons to choose outdoor furniture that’s sustainable, including:
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Sustainable outdoor furniture makes use of materials that have already been manufactured, which promotes reduced production of new materials. This helps reduce the amount of waste that enters our landfills, reducing carbon emissions. By using sustainable materials such as granite, marble and hardwood, you are helping to reduce waste and minimise your carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.
Reduced Chemicals
Sustainable furniture aims to reduce harmful chemicals, which can have a serious effect on our health. Chemicals like VOCs (volatile organic compounds) vaporise into the air and can cause fatigue, nausea, dizziness and much more. By reducing our reliance on using these chemicals in production, means they’re less prevalent in the air we breathe.
Increased Outdoor Furniture Lifespan
With the added benefits of reducing your carbon footprint and reducing harmful chemicals in the air, sustainable furniture also provides a cost benefit too. With materials that are highly durable and built to last for years-or even decades, you will reduce manufacturing costs. Being able to withstand the elements, resist general wear and tear and require less maintenance, sustainable outdoor furniture is perfect for your next urban project.
What is The Best Material for Outdoor Furniture?
The best material for outdoor furniture varies in terms of several factors, including what the final application ends up being. Some popular and sustainable options include granite, marble, or hardwood, all of which will last for years and can be disposed of sensibly.
Each of these sustainable material options is great for the environment due to:
- Low Environmental Impact: Natural stone and wood produce only a fraction of the carbon dioxide that other materials like steel, concrete and timber create. This gives you long-lasting outdoor furniture without the carbon emissions.
- Durability: With these materials being natural, they’re known to have high durability against any weather conditions and environments. If you want to replace these products, they’re able to be repaired or recycled, allowing you to save costs and help the environment.
- Minimal Maintenance: Due to these materials being natural, little maintenance is required to keep outdoor furniture made from these materials aesthetically pleasing and fully functional.
- Absorbing Carbon Dioxide: Hardwood is great for reducing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as trees absorb it and store it in the wood. Hardwood also stores nitrogen oxides, ammonia and sulphur dioxide, making it a great option for sustainable outdoor furniture.
How to Choose Sustainable Outdoor Furniture
Use natural materials that can be reused, repurposed, or recycled
One of the biggest considerations when sourcing sustainable outdoor furniture is the material in which it is made. As we mentioned earlier, poorly made outdoor furniture is far more likely to just end up in landfill as it succumbs to the elements. Choose durable, natural, and recyclable materials.
Think about how your outdoor furniture will be used
In the case of furniture installations such as water fountains, it’s a good idea to think about how your furniture will be used once it’s installed into the space. Will your water fountain be the cause of significant wasted water? If so, it may be a good idea to introduce water-saving fountains. Through clever urban planning, you may be able to direct excess water towards a garden or green space that would benefit from the water.
Encourage good habits in your outdoor space
Whether you are furnishing a park, playground, or any other kind of urban space, the environment will benefit greatly from some critical thinking about how people will behave in your space.
Add recycling bins to the space alongside regular litter bins to prevent unnecessary litter and the recyclable waste being thrown in with the rubbish. Provide bike racks where suitable, as this may encourage visitors to ride their bike down, rather than drive their car.
Why Choose Urban Effects for Outdoor Sustainable Furniture?
As sustainability is so important to us, we would love to help you to plan your newest eco-friendly, commercial outdoor space. Our outdoor sustainable furniture is designed to enhance public spaces while standing the test of time. We’ve created outdoor furniture that is:
- Versatile in Design: From traditional styles to more contemporary designs, our selection allows you to select the perfect furniture for your urban plan.
- Made from Durable Materials: Our outdoor sustainable furniture is made from many options including granite and marble, making the perfect to withstand outdoor conditions.
- Provides Eco-Friendly Features: Many of our outdoor sustainable pieces have eco-friendly features, including our water fountains, making them ideal for many years to come.
For more information about any of our sustainable outdoor furniture products, contact the team at Urban Effects today.