Admit it. When you think of someone who is ecologically friendly, who buys organic whenever they can, you think of someone who owns a lot of futons and beanbag chairs, don’t you? Well, I am pleasantly surprised to find that there are some really fantastic furniture alternatives.
Quite a while back, I was watching a program where the redecorated someone’s house with eco-friendly furniture, and they highlighted Bean Products. Sure, they’ve got bean bag chairs - filled with 100% recycled polystyrene beads inside cotton or hemp washable covers. But, they’ve also got some of the coolest chairs and couches I’ve seen. The frames are made from American-grown hardwoods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and assembled with non-toxic natural-based glues. They also contain natural latex foam rubber, organic cotton batting and sheeting, and hemp covers. Stylish and eco-friendly…now if someone would just buy a couple chairs for me…
The library is one of the best and oldest recycling centers. According to Savannah Now, many children’s books (including one of my favorites: Where the Wild Things Are) are read so often that they fall apart and must be replaced. If you have young children, I heartily encourage you to take them to the library. Not only will you be starting them on the wonderful road of being lifelong library patrons, you’re also recycling. Just think - how many children’s books might you purchase for your children that would never be read after they learn to walk and hold silverware? How many middle school children want to read Pat the Bunny? And, while you and your child are visiting the library, check out a book for yourself. What’s the point in owning a novel, for instance, that you might only read once. And, if you do purchase books, share them! BookCrossing is one great site for recycling books and seeing where they travel.
