The Bite:
Then have fun at Ethan Allen. But if you want wood furniture that's a little more unique, look for artful pieces made from reclaimed (read: recycled) wood, you rebel-with-an-eco-cause, you.
When it comes to furniture, are you a conformist?
02.19.2008
Submitted by tmeronek on Tue, 02/19/2008 - 1:32am.
The Benefits:
- Preserving endangered trees. 50% of the world's forests are gone. Reclaimed wood furniture avoids using virgin wood from threatened tree species such as mahogany.
- Less energy use. A lotta wood is shipped from thousands of miles away (example: some teak comes from 8,000 mi away in Phillipines). Our picks are from U.S. designers who typically source their wood locally.
- Good news for nonconformists. Reclaimed wood pieces are one-of-a-kind, so you're not gonna see these beauts anywhere but your own place.
Personally Speaking:
Jen is hiring a local MT furniture maker to whip up a custom, reclaimed-wood coffee table. It's setting her back $450, but she figures it'd cost that much for a nice hardwood one anyway.
Wanna Try:
- Yelp - search for local antique and consignment shops using this yellow pages-like directory.
- Alan Vogel Furniture - has studios in MT and WA state; specializes in rustic benches and tables.
- Mi-Workshop - CA designer with a playful, simple aesthetic.
- Moe Design Studio - NY designer who creates modern-ish pieces using reclaimed lumber.
- Staples Cabinet Makers - New England craftspeople who specialize in reclaimed-wood pieces.
- Sustainable Furniture Council - if you aren't in any of the above locales, check out this listing of eco-conscious furniture makers.
Cocktail Fact
Towering almost 380 ft high, the world's tallest tree (nicknamed Hyperion) is located in Redwood National Park, CA.
Bang For The Bite
If 10,000 Biters buy an end table made from reclaimed wood instead of virgin wood, we'll avert the CO2 created by 29 cars in a year.
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