5 Things to Look for in a Sustainably Made Sofa
The design experts behind furniture brand Model No. share everything you need to know before buying a sofa to ensure it’s as healthy and eco-friendly as possible.
The design experts behind furniture brand Model No. share everything you need to know before buying a sofa to ensure it’s as healthy and eco-friendly as possible.
A couch is a big purchase. While aesthetic ideals vary, two general parameters go without saying: It should be the appropriate size for the room and undeniably comfortable. Sustainable furnishings maker Model No. would like to add nontoxic and earth-friendly to this list. The Bay Area–based company says it has created the "healthiest" sofa in the world with the launch of its beautiful new Platform series. Here, the brand’s senior VP of product development and design, Kevin Wildes, and its director of design, Michael Vance, share tips on how to buy furniture that won’t make you or the planet sick.
1. Understand the Concept of Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a blanket term for overstatement of sustainable practices. Before you fall in love with a sofa, do some research on how the manufacturer follows through on its environmental pledges: What materials are used? How and where are the furnishings produced? Answers to these questions should guide your choice. "So many companies use marketing speak to make it sound like they care, but often there’s little substance to these claims," says Wildes. "We all need to be more aware of what we do with our purchasing power."
Among other eco-conscious practices, Model No. uses a nontoxic, recyclable polymer (shown) derived from plant-based materials like corn husks, yucca, and sugarcane to 3D-print many of its furnishing designs.
Courtesy of Model No.
2. Know Where the Wood Came From
The wood frame of that sofa you’ve be eyeing may have been shipped long distances or sourced from forests that should be protected. Instead of participating in harmful or inefficient cycles, look for reclaimed or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification as a sign of responsible sourcing. Wildes says: "We stick to FSC-certified hardwoods like walnut and ash in our production, and we try to source locally when possible."
Model No. manufactures and hand-finishes each piece on demand in its Oakland-based micro factory using sustainable materials like FSC-certified hardwoods. Biodegradability, energy consumption from manufacturing, and shipping practices also matter when it comes to assessing the sustainability of your sofa.
Courtesy of Model No.
3. Don’t Overlook What You Can’t See
Everyone jokes about new couch smell, but Wildes confirms it’s no laughing matter. "Many pieces on the market can make you sick over time," he explains. "Even after you stop smelling the chemicals, they can still be off-gassing in your home. Cushions are the real culprit, and we worked hard on this aspect of the design," Wildes adds. The brand’s solution was to use organic, GOLS-certified latex foam that’s naturally fire resistant and therefore doesn’t need chemical treatment.
"We wrap our sofa cushions with ethically sourced duck down and feathers—it’s pretty ridiculous how good it feels to sink into this couch," says Vance
Courtesy of Model No.
See the full story on Dwell.com: 5 Things to Look for in a Sustainably Made Sofa
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