Over 130 million single family homes exist in the United States along with over 90 million non-single-family residences — and the numbers are ever growing. This equates to an astronomical number of furniture pieces purchased each year in order to furnish these homes, with many of them bought with outdoor use in mind.
Traditionally, outdoor furniture has been made with tropical hardwoods. This has included materials such as teak, mahogany and jatoba. These woods are found in the rainforest regions and harvesting results in damaging effects to the environment. Over time, numerous types of plants and animals have been terminated due to the deforestation of the rainforests and destruction of the areas in their entirety, with over 137 known to have been eradicated and many others facing serious concerns. As the need for raw materials increases, so does the detriment that comes along with the collection of them.
In addition to the overharvesting of tropical regions, maintenance is also an issue with the use of these traditional woods. In order to retain the natural oils and preserve the integrity of the wood, sealing is necessary for proper maintenance. Even with on-going care, longevity is questionable as discoloration and rot can occur when the elements constantly attack the furniture. Deterioration can occur due to exposure to water, wind and sun, amongst others.
For these reasons, it is more important than ever to turn the trend towards producing green, or eco-friendly, furniture to ensure sustainability of both the environment as well as the pieces themselves. Learn more about the benefits of green furniture by checking out the following infographic.
Presented By Trex Outdoor Furniture
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