Many of us want to shop more sustainably but knowing whether something is truly good for the planet can be a challenge. As one of the UK’s most sustainable garden furniture brands, we have a unique understanding of what makes a truly environmentally friendly product. So, we’ve put together a list of advice on what to look out for when trying to make eco-friendly decisions.
Materials
Checking what material an item is made of is the simplest way to tell whether something is sustainable. We use recycled aluminium to manufacture sustainable garden furniture in the UK, our products because it’s infinitely recyclable, so we know that our products won’t contribute to landfill. Aluminium is a versatile resource that has a wide variety of uses beyond garden furniture too.
Bamboo is another great sustainable resource to look out for. As it’s technically a grass, its rate of self-regeneration is incredibly high and it continues to grow without needing to be replanted, unlike trees. Bamboo is increasingly replacing cotton, which requires incredible amounts of water to grow, because of its eco properties.
Coconut is also a valuable material to consider. It’s no longer just a food product and is now being used in a range of innovative ways, including as a sustainable building material and for home and garden accessories. Its entire shell can be used, so there is no wastage and it’s biodegradable.
Longevity
The life span of a product is another thing to consider when thinking about sustainability. For example, a durable garden bench that is designed to last throughout the generations, will have far less of an environmental burden than furniture that breaks easily or needs replacing often. Creating new products comes with a carbon cost, with both the production and transport negatively impacting the environment. Opting for high-quality, long-lasting furniture is the best way to prevent this.
End of Life
The final thing to consider is where a product will go at the end of its life. For many products that contain plastic, the answer is landfill. The problem with this is that plastic takes up to 450 years to decompose, and when it does, it releases toxins into the Earth. Prioritise products that can be recycled, composted, or reused infinitely.
Water bottles are a great example of this. Reusable plastic water bottles are becoming more-and-more popular as people reduce their reliance on single-use plastic. However, even these ‘reusable’ alternatives only have a short lifespan and will ultimately end up in landfill. A better option is to choose an aluminium version which is infinitely recyclable. Plus, it will be a better insulator for your drink.
This shift in thinking to consider the whole life cycle of a product will allow you to determine whether it’s really the sustainable choice you are looking for.
For more advice on living sustainably, read our step by step guide on how to create a sustainable garden. Browse our selection of Sustainable Garden Furniture produced in the UK.
We believe that luxury should not come at the cost of sustainability, that’s why all our outdoor sustainable furniture is produced from 100% recycled aluminium. Along with our lifetime guarantee, we also provide restoration services and a leading re-buy scheme for all our sustainable garden furniture, contributing to a truly circular economy.
If you’re looking to make an impression without it costing the earth, then get in touch!
Give us a call on: +44 (0) 1386 701 894
Or drop us a line at: info@oxleys.com
We specialise in making our furniture to customers requirements. Call us to turn your ideas into reality.
