Thinking of the environment.
When it comes to furnishing your home, you have a number of options available to you. You can choose to buy mass-produced furniture from a big box store, or you can invest in handmade pieces made by skilled craftsmen. While both options have their pros and cons, one of the key differences between the two is the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. In this post, we'll take a look at the environmental impacts of buying craftsman made furniture over mass-manufactured alternatives, and why it's worth considering the environmental impact of your purchasing decisions.
First and foremost, it's important to understand that mass-produced furniture is often made in large factories that use a significant amount of resources and energy. These factories may also produce a lot of pollution, whether through the release of harmful chemicals into the air or the disposal of waste materials. In contrast, craftsman made furniture is often made in smaller studios or workshops, which means that the environmental impact is often much lower. Here at Black Tenon, we choose the best wood for the job, and design efficiently to reduce as much waste as we can.
One of the key reasons for this difference in environmental impact is that craftsman made furniture is often made with higher quality materials and construction techniques. Mass-produced furniture is often made with cheaper materials in order to keep costs down, which can result in a lower-quality product that is less durable and more likely to end up in a landfill. In contrast, craftsman made furniture is often made with materials that are chosen for their durability and beauty, which means that it is more likely to last for many many years. This not only results in a better value for the consumer, but also means that there is less waste being produced and fewer resources being used to produce new furniture.
Another factor to consider is the transportation of the furniture. Mass-produced furniture is often shipped from factories located overseas, which means that it has to be transported long distances by boat, truck, and/or train. This not only results in a significant amount of carbon emissions, but also requires a lot of resources to transport the furniture to its final destination. In contrast, craftsman made furniture is often produced locally, which means that it has a much shorter distance to travel and has a lower carbon footprint.
Overall, there are a number of environmental benefits to buying craftsman made furniture over mass-produced alternatives. Not only is it often made with higher quality materials and construction techniques, but it also has a lower environmental impact due to the fact that it is often made in smaller studios or workshops and is produced locally. If you're looking to furnish your home in a way that is sustainable and environmentally friendly, consider investing in handmade pieces from skilled craftsmen such as ourselves at Black Tenon Furniture.