While not yet as common a term as ‘fast fashion’, ‘fast furniture’ is a growing problem as we see more and more mass-produced furniture coming to the market, which is typically make of poorer-quality materials, cheaply made and sold, designed for short-term use, and made with less sustainable materials.

🌿 THE PROBLEM

Furniture often ends up in landfills, generating substantial environmental harm. In the UK 300,000 tonnes of furniture is thrown away annually that could be reused, and in London 45% of people throw away good quality furniture (Business Waste LTD). Fast furniture further exacerbates this problem, as it makes repair and reuse more challenging.

💡 WHAT WE CAN DO

🔄 Embrace Circular Economy: Encourage a shift towards a circular economy, where products are designed for longevity, repairability, and eventual recycling. By extending the lifespan of furniture, we reduce the demand for constant production.

✏️ Better Design Processes: Evolve product design to minimise waste and packaging, improve transportation efficiency, and extend product lives through better options for repair, reuse and repurposing.

🌱 Support Sustainable Materials: Choose furniture made from eco-friendly materials such as certified and reclaimed wood, recycled metals, and sustainable fabrics. This not only minimises environmental impact but also promotes responsible sourcing.

🛋️ Invest in Quality: Prioritise quality over quantity. By investing in well-crafted, durable pieces, we can reduce the frequency of replacements and, consequently, cut down on the overall environmental footprint.

♻️ Upcycling and Repurposing: Get creative! Consider upcycling old furniture, repurposing items for a new lease on life, and buying preloved items. This not only adds a unique touch to your space but also minimises waste.

What brands are addressing these issues and tackling furniture waste head on? Let us know in the comments!

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#circulareconomy
#consciousconsumption