Getting Better With Age

Buying furniture the green way

Several years ago when we were new to the area we visited an antique show. That was, and is, very out of character for us but it’s there that I fell in love with old wood. Not antiques, necessarily, but the weathered, old timber that had spent a hard working lifetime as a barn door or a plank on a floor. We went home that day empty handed. But the thought of what that wood had “seen” captured my imagination, and I couldn’t forget about the layers of colors and scars that made up the unique surface of each piece.

Reclaimed wood - which is wood that was something else before it was turned into your kitchen table – is still one of my favorite things. The imperfections and patina that age brings is something that you typically can’t find in most new furniture.

Everything old is new again
Reclaimed wood, while beautiful, can be a bit more expensive. Wood can be sourced from old barns, old boats or old flooring, but the process to reclaim it and remake it is labor intensive. Our kitchen table is reclaimed from wood flooring used in an old factory in Wisconsin. I love it, knots, water stains and all. As an added benefit, it doesn’t show the new wear and tear of my family as readily as a piece made with new wood might.

Responsibly Harvested Wood
Not all wood is created equal when it comes to the impact its harvest has on the environment. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) guarantees that the wood used in a product came from a “certified well-managed forest” (source: Forest Stewardship Council).

Beyond Wood
The availability of “green” furniture doesn’t stop at wood. End tables made of recycled aluminum, indoor-outdoor rugs made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled glassware are just a sampling of the cool, functional furnishings you’ll find out there.

Where to find it
Local places
These local stores carry old or sustainably harvested wood. I’m sure there are many more – if you know of one let me know and I’ll share it with our readers.

The Inspired Home
This store has two locations, Pineville and Historic South End. Not all the items offered are from reclaimed wood – check with the store on the source of the wood for any particular piece you’re interested in. Details about the store, locations and their products are on their website.

Barn Wood Classics
I haven’t visited this gallery yet, but it’s definitely on my “to do” list. They specialize in furniture made from reclaimed antique barn boards and beams. Store location and hours can be found on their website.

Ordering it
There are plenty of places online that advertise environmentally friendly furniture. One spot you might try is the Eco-Mall. We have not ordered through any of these vendors – although any inquiries that we’ve sent with product questions, etc. have been answered promptly. We have ordered, however, from Viva-Terra, and we’ve typically been very happy with the results. Their products are sourced from a variety of places, so the quality isn’t always as certain. Customer Service has been friendly, although not always good at follow up. Overall though, we’ve been satisfied with our dealings with them and we like their selection.

Taking it Outdoors
Check National Wildlife Federation’s Garden Furniture Scorecard if you are thinking about making any outdoor furniture purchases this summer.


Resources and Digging Deeper
· “Garden Furniture Scorecard.” National Wildlife Federation. 2007. http://www.nwf.org/nwfwebadmin/binaryVault/Garden_Furniture_Scorecard_2007.pdf.
· Forest Stewardship Council. < http://www.fsc.org/en/>.
· “Forests”. World Wildlife Fund. 4 April 2008. < http://www.worldwildlife.org/forests/>.

One More Time…
Revisiting Past Topics

I noticed recently that Target stores are also selling reusable bags near the checkout area for about $1.49 each. I’ve asked them if they plan to have any “bring your own bag” type of incentive programs similar to those run by grocery stores, but according to the Customer Service Department no program is currently planned! -kip-

Trading Up

The green way to get rid of your old computer

Sooner or later, you are going to need a new computer. While the prospect fills me with dread (I’m not the most technically proficient person you’ll ever meet), I’m also worried about what to do with the old one. According to Earth911.org, almost 2 million tons of e-waste went to landfills in 2005. It’s not just the landfill space that should give you pause before you head to the dumpster: that mysterious box you’re trying to clear off your desk contains small amounts of mercury, lead and cadmium. Rather than take a chance on having that end up in soil or the water supply, check out one of the other many options below.

Give it Away
For a worth cause
RECONNECT is a partnership between Goodwill Industries and Dell. Find a nearby participating Goodwill store and drop off your computer. It will be reused or recycled (or “de-manufactured”) in an environmentally friendly manner. If the computer is operable it will be cleared of stored information and sold at Goodwill’s Computer Works store located at 2913 Freedom Drive in Charlotte. Systems not sold there will be sold to vendors. Get a receipt, because it may be tax deductible!

To a friend
Our older computer works well and, once I get it in my car to deliver it, will end up as a PC for my friend’s daughter. Think about any families that you know that might benefit from a computer for homework, etc. Hand-me-downs weren’t nearly so cool when I was a kid!

Recycle It
Dell will recycle your old PC or laptop for free, even if it isn’t their product, if you’re buying a Dell system. Apple and Gateway have similar programs. Consumer Reports gives a good overview of all the major manufacturers’ recycling programs in E-market Watch at Greener Choices.

Trade It In
Costco takes everything a little further with a trade-in program that will accept any brand of electronic equipment, including PCs, digital cameras, camcorders, game systems and MP3 Players. The program is open to members only. An on-line wizard lets you calculate the trade-in value of your item, and you get a Costco Cash Card in that amount. There is, of course, a little more to it than that but not much based on their web site. I didn’t go through the calculator because I’m hoping I won’t need it for a long, long time! But it’s a great opportunity to do the right thing and get paid for it!

While You’re At It
Recycling Ink Cartridges
There are a lot of options for recycling your ink and toner. Dell will recycle Dell ink and toner. Staples, Best Buy and other stores have a variety of programs. Get a list specific to your area at Earth911.org by typing in your zip code.


Resources and Digging Deeper
· DeFore, John. “Costco Helps Recycle Electronics”. GreenRightNow.com. 18 December 2007.
· Wolf, Alan. “Office Depot, Costco, DSI Launch Recycling, Trade-In Programs”. TWICE: This Week In Consumer Electronics. 19 November 2007.
· “Reuse Electronics Through Donation”. Earth911.org. 25 January 2008.
· “IBM Me Up, Scotty.” Grist.org. 08 August 2005.
· “Apple Releases First Mercury-Free Laptop”. Earth911.org. 15 January 2008.

One More Time…
Revisiting Past Topics

In January, Whole Foods announced they will eliminate plastic grocery bags in their stores by Earth Day 2008 (April 22nd). The paper bags they will be using instead (for those customers that don’t BYOB), are 100% recycled. No word yet on whether or not any of our local chains will follow suit!