In the U.S., 9.8 million tons of furniture ended up in the landfill in 2009 alone. In the consumerist society within which we live, we’re so oriented around what’s next that we often neglect to appreciate what we have. Purchasing used furniture offers innumerable benefits both to you as a consumer and to our society in general, but here’s a list of five to start.
1. It saves resources
Our world has reached “peak furniture,” according to former chief sustainability officer at Ikea, Steve Howard.
“In the West we have probably hit peak stuff. We talk about peak oil. I’d say we’ve hit peak red meat, peak sugar, peak stuff, peak home furnishings,” said Howard.
The furniture industry is highly wasteful, and it takes a lot of resources to create new pieces, despite the fact that more than enough furniture already exists that is in good condition.
The depletion of natural resources is speeding up, and materials used to build furniture, like timber, are in high demand. Every piece of furniture that you purchase second-hand means the materials that would have been used to build it can be put to better use elsewhere.
2. It reduces waste
We’re constantly persuaded to consume more. Both by television and media as well as by societal expectations. We’ve been convinced that there is a time limit on furniture items, and that when it goes off, you must replace our old piece with its newer version. This means we throw things out before we need to, even if the item is in perfectly good shape.
One of the best ways to help keep unnecessary items out of the dump is to shop second-hand from a thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL. When individuals opt to donate instead of tossing their furniture to the curb and a customer picks it out as the perfect piece for their home, you’re extending the lifecycle of a quality item and diverting waste from our already overburdened landfills.
3. It costs less
Canadians spent over $52 million on home furniture and furnishings in 2018, reveals Stats Can. Furniture is a highly lucrative industry and we as consumers are fueling its growth.
Oftentimes when we replace furniture, it’s not an item that needs replacing, but rather it’s one that we want to replace. But when you take a step back and put the purchase into context, do you truly feel it’s worth it to spend $2,000 on a brand-new couch? That same money could be used to fund a week-long vacation.
On the other hand, used furniture generally costs way less. That same couch initially priced at $2,000 could cost as little as $300, in nearly the same condition as it was when new.
Another great thing about buying low-cost used furniture, is that it’s less of a commitment. Purchasing a brand-new couch is an investment. Purchasing a second-hand couch at an affordable price is less of a commitment, and if you change your mind, you can always resell it at a similar price.
4. It benefits the community
Whereas large furniture stores rely on global supply chains and overseas manufacturing, second-hand stores tend to operate much more locally. Used furniture stores are generally independent and employ individuals who live right within your neighbourhood.
Many second-hand stores also give back to the community. To see which used furniture stores actually make a difference and actively support local not-for-profit organizations, click here.
5. Second-hand furniture has history
Every piece of used furniture has a story behind it. Maybe this floor lamp once sat in the study of a celebrated author, or maybe it was the light a mother used to read bedtime stories to her children. Whatever its history, there’s something special about owning an item that is a one-of-a-kind piece, rather than one assembled from a kit that’s in thousands of other homes across the country.
By purchasing used furniture, you’re giving the piece a second chance. This item is becoming a part of your story, and maybe one day, you’ll pass that history along to another family.
Steve Clark 