Recycled-content furniture is an integral part of the ecological picture because it makes great use of the unfathomable amount of waste we create each day on our little planet. Don’t discard material because it’s not natural; it’s already here, transformed from its original, natural state to the plastic (or whatever) it is now. Keeping it in the loop and reusing it is the best we can do in our existing situation. We’ve become very good at recycling, but if we don’t actually use recycled materials, they end up right back where we’ve always sent them, piled up at the dump or floating at sea.
Antiques are also good ecological choices—longevity is an important aspect of being green. Because antiques have been well cared for, valued and used through the generations, acquiring an heirloom is an excellent method of recycling. Instead of making inexpensive purchases, consider saving up for a special piece of furniture whose quality and beauty will be valued for generations to come.