According to PwC, 85% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainability, which means you’re probably one of them. We only have one planet, after all, and you must do your part in caring for it.
You might already be using reusable shopping bags or recycling everything you can. But you can take it a step further by purchasing eco-friendly outdoor furniture. And no, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and style to do so either.
Has this perked up your ears a bit? Then keep reading. We’ll show you modern and eco-friendly outdoor furniture trends you can follow.
Sustainable Materials
One of the most obvious trends is the use of eco-friendly materials for outdoor furniture. Here are some you can consider that’ll make Mother Nature proud.
Reclaimed Wood
Cutting down trees from our already dwindling forests is no bueno, but wood is such a beautiful and strong natural material, and it’s hard to resist.
The next best thing is reclaimed wood. This is wood that’s been repurposed from things like old structures or pallets. Not only does it have character, but it’s also durable. Plus, there’s no need for new lumber, which makes it the most sustainable type of furniture!
If you’re curious which brand has good reclaimed wood pieces, then your answer is Crate & Barrel. Not only do they focus on sustainable sourcing, but they’re also working toward more environmentally friendly products that have recycled materials.
Bamboo
Guinness World Records says the world record for the fastest-growing plant is a type of bamboo, which grows 35 inches per day! There are around 1,000 species of bamboo, and they’re all fast growers and renewable.
Bamboo’s also great since it’s strong and versatile. Plus, it’s an outstanding item for good luck, so use it in your patio furniture when you feng shui your outdoor space.
Recycled Plastics
“Plastic” is so bad for the environment that it’s almost a no-no word for conservation. However, this material has found redemption through recycling.
Recycled plastics are rising in the trend for eco-friendly patio furniture. It’s tres chic to see furniture made from recycled ocean plastics or post-consumer waste.
Modular and Multi-Functional Designs
You know how they say, “Less is more?” This definitely applies here.
The beauty of modular furniture is that it’s adaptable, allowing you to reconfigure seating to suit your space and needs. As a result, this reduces the need for multiple pieces.
The same goes for multi-functional pieces. For example, you can get tables with storage or benches that double as planters. That way, you can minimize clutter while maximizing space and utility.
Low-Impact Manufacturing
Something that’s trending for outdoor furniture is low-impact manufacturing. This involves things like:
- Low-energy processes
- Non-toxic finishes
- Minimal waste production
In addition, some companies are offering closed-loop products. This means they’ll take it back for recycling or repurposing once you’re through with their furniture.
Natural, Earthy Aesthetics
Consumers want out of this concrete jungle, and they’re doing this with natural and earthy aesthetics. Designs that blend seamlessly with nature are trending, with colors inspired by the environment. Just envision these colors in your yard:
- Muted greens
- Browns
- Sandy tones
Organic shapes and textures that mimic the natural world are hot too. Without sharp and jagged angles, the pieces bring a calm and grounded feel to outdoor spaces.
Biophilic Design
As we’ve just said, we want to break free of concrete and drabness; embracing nature is in, and we’re doing more than just incorporating colors. It’s en vogue to use elements that foster a connection to nature, such as built-in planters or furniture that encourage green walls.
Consumers are also leaning toward furniture designed to accommodate or integrate with greenery, as this helps blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. For instance, they’re using multi-level planters that include small flowing streams or water basins, which integrate greenery and water into a single unit. For added eco-friendliness, use collected rainwater too.
Solar-Powered Features
What’s more eco-friendly than harnessing the sun’s power? It should come as no surprise that solar-power lighting integrated into outdoor furniture is an emerging trend.
These green features enhance the ambiance without the need for external power sources. They can help make things safer too.
People are using the sun’s energy to power other items for a good time in the yard, such as their patio umbrellas and Bluetooth speakers. Why add more batteries to landfills unless you absolutely have to?
Local Artisanship and Small Batch Production
Say goodbye to the cheaply made and mass-produced ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture you’ll find at Walmart and Target. People are paying more to support local craftsmen and small-scale producers.
Not only does this help reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation, but it also gives you more unique and personalized pieces. Plus, these products are usually produced more sustainably, ticking more boxes for eco-friendliness.
Durability and Longevity
Here’s another cliche that rings true here: quality over quantity. This is a key aspect of eco-friendly furniture, and people are increasingly investing in durable pieces that last longer, which reduces waste.
Weather-resistant and low-maintenance materials like teak or recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) ensure the furniture can withstand various climates without frequent replacement. While there’s affordable eco-friendly outdoor furniture, it really depends on the following factors:
- Materials
- Design
- Brand
Just remember that what you’re paying for is durability and longevity. Consider it as an investment into your future, as the pieces will last much longer than a cheap Walmart chair will.
Get Eco-Friendly Outdoor Furniture for Your Home
It’s clear that we’re becoming more conscious of taking care of our planet. And as you can see, you don’t have to compromise on style either.
Add a few pieces of eco-friendly outdoor furniture to your yard and you’ll see an instant transformation that blends in nature seamlessly. And more importantly, you won’t feel guilty about reclining on a patio chair while letting the lazy afternoons go by.
Browse the Mamagreen collection for eco-friendly luxury patio furniture! We also have various accessories to complete your yard’s look.
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