‘Tis the season for the great outdoors and anyone living in NYC knows that having your own place in the sun–from a private patio to a shared rooftop–is the icing on top of your summer cake. Even the tiniest of outdoor spaces can be made into the perfect summer retreat with the right furniture and accessories, but where do you start? Here are our 5 tips for buying eco-friendly outdoor furniture:
Know Your Certification Terms
Do your research before you shop and be prepared to ask questions such as what chemicals your furniture has been treated with or where the wood in your furniture comes from. We recommend getting very familiar with certification terms and labels such as Greenguard and Cradle to Cradle. Click here for a list of eco-labels to consider.
Look for the Right Material
According to Apartment Therapy, there are three types of material that work best for eco-friendly outdoor furniture: hard-wearing, durable woods (look for FSC-certified from sustainably managed forests), recycled plastic, and stainless steel. Click here for great resources that have numerous eco-friendly options.
Take It Apart
OK, not literally, but if the furniture you’re buying can’t be taken apart it’s a sign that it can’t be repaired well. “Good eco-friendly furniture should lend itself to easy repair, disassemblage, and recycling,” writes TreeHugger. “When buying furniture, stay away from ‘monstrous hybrids’, pieces that are an inseparable amalgam of materials.”
Think Multipurpose
Especially when decorating a small space, look for pieces that can be used in multiple ways–such as a small table that can also be used for extra seating. Pieces that literally transform into different types of furniture will allow you to purchase less, take up less patio space, and last longer.
Pay for Quality
Even if your budget is tight, invest in a few high-quality pieces. “Purchasing less and investing a little more money into your furniture will save both you and the environment in the long haul,” says yliving.com.
Now that you have the perfect outdoor space, be sure to call us and set up your summer cleaning service appointments–no need for you to worry about the inside of your home while you are enjoying the outside!
Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash