In the recent past, going green meant spending a lot more on the products you buy. But with recent advances in technology, you can experience the comfort and design of high end outdoor furniture and not have to pay a fortune for the luxury. Let’s look at 3 types of outdoor patio furniture that are eco-friendly and won’t make you cry when you see the price.
1. Plastic Patio Furniture
Yes, that’s right some plastic patio furniture is now being crafted using post-consumer recycled plastics. Two pioneers in this technology are Poly-Wood Inc. and Siesta Poly Furniture. They have adopted a method to extrude used plastic milk jugs into plastic furniture. It is extremely durable and you can select from a multitude of colors and designs. Colors are bled through the entire mold for continuity of color and to ensure scratches won’t show that easily. The furniture is reasonably priced and manufactured in the United States, shrinking your eco-footprint by reducing the amount of gas used to ship your furniture from overseas. And when you are ready to upgrade again, you can simply recycle your patio furniture and someone else will benefit from your effort to go green.
2. Sustainably Harvested Wood Patio Furniture
The Forest Stewardship council (FSC) is a world-wide organization that certifies manufactures for all types of applications. They ensure that workers are earning a living wage and the forests are protected for future generations. Wood patio furniture is usually made from cedar, pine or teak wood for their outdoor durability. Cedar is mostly used for Adirondack Chairs and picnic benches and can be treated with paint or a finish if you are trying to upgrade the look. Uwharrie Chair Company is the leading outdoor furniture manufacturer using sustainably harvested pine from the southern US in their eclectic designs. And if you have an Asian themed outdoor living room or simply want high end wood furniture then teak is the right choice for you. With its dark hues and elegant clean lines teak furniture will wow your guests and last for years. Regardless of the type of wood you choose, be on the lookout for the (FSC) seal of approval when selecting this eco-friendly patio furniture option.
3. Resin Wicker Patio Furniture
Until recently, outdoor wicker furniture was crafted with natural fibers that would rot and mold over time, making this an unattractive option for most buyers with a limited budget. Advancements in using recycled polyethylene resin to create the wicker look we all love have made it possible to enjoy this fabulous furniture. The process was pioneered by Lloyd/Flanders and many companies have followed suit. Recycled resin wicker is wrapped around lightweight aluminum and can be designed with different color pallets in mind. You can accent the wicker frame with plush trendy cushions and throws to create a modern and very trendy outdoor living room for your home.
Never before has blending modern design and eco-friendly furniture at the same time been so easy. Take the plunge and upgrade your patio furniture this summer and relax in style.