We love the outdoors. (It’s probably why we’re in the outdoor furniture business, huh?) We love the people in our community. And if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you love the benefits of being outside for your life and your health. It seems we may have a few things in common: we love our planet, our neighbors, and our own relaxation and health. If you imagine a Venn diagram with the words “sustainable”, “relaxation” and “outdoor furniture”, that beautiful area of overlap in the middle would definitely read “eco-friendly, sustainable outdoor daybeds and lounges.”
Now, that’s a sweet-spot worth exploring together right now. I’ll bring the research. You bring the snacks.
A Few Notes to Start
- Sustainable outdoor furniture is made from eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic, sustainably sourced wood, and organic fabrics.
- Choosing durable, long-lasting pieces reduces waste and saves you money in the long run.
- Supporting companies with eco-conscious manufacturing processes and fair trade practices makes a big difference.
- With a little planning and effort, your sustainable outdoor furniture can last for years, reducing your environmental impact.
Benefits of Sustainable Outdoor Furniture
So, why should you bother with sustainable outdoor furniture? Well, the benefits are endless. Not only are you doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint, but you’re also investing in pieces that are built to last.
Take our recycled plastic Adirondack chairs, for example. Made from post-consumer plastics like milk jugs, these bad boys are weather-resistant, low-maintenance, and practically indestructible. Trust me, I’ve put them through the wringer – from spilled margaritas to my dog’s insatiable need to chew on everything – and they still look as good as new.
By choosing sustainable outdoor furniture, you’re also supporting responsible businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices. It’s like voting with your wallet – except instead of a tiny “I Voted” sticker, you get a comfy place to kick back and relax.
Materials for Sustainable Outdoor Daybed and Lounge
| Material | Properties | Environmental Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled plastic lumber | Durable, weather-resistant, low-maintenance | Made from post-consumer plastics, reduces waste |
| Sustainably sourced wood | Natural, weather-resistant, long-lasting | Responsibly harvested, promotes biodiversity |
| Reclaimed or recycled metal | Rust-resistant, durable, infinitely recyclable | Reduces demand for virgin materials |
| Eco-friendly fabrics | Soft, comfortable, moisture-wicking | Made from recycled or organic fibers, reduces chemical use |
There are a ton of options for outdoor furniture materials. From recycled plastic lumber to sustainably sourced wood, there’s something for every style and budget.
One of my personal favorites is FSC-certified teak. Not only is it naturally weather-resistant and long-lasting, but it’s also harvested from responsibly managed forests. Plus, it ages like a fine wine – developing a beautiful silvery patina over time.
But wood may not be your thing, and that’s okay. Recycled aluminum is another great option. Not only is it rust-resistant and durable, but it can also be recycled indefinitely. This gift keeps on giving!
Let’s not forget about eco-friendly fabric like recycled polyester and organic cotton. You’ve got plenty of stylish, sustainable options to choose from. Just look for listed certifications to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
Choosing Recycled or Upcycled Furniture
If you really want to take your eco-friendly game to the next level, look into recycled or upcycled outdoor furniture. You give new life to old materials while also reducing waste and supporting circular production models.
We’ve got a whole category of reclaimed teak furniture. I love these things. There’s a real unique character you can feel when you sit on them, like they have their own story. You just can’t get that same feeling with new materials. Plus, you get to feel good knowing that you’re not contributing to deforestation or habitat loss.
Natural and Organic Fabrics for Cushions
So, what about the cushions? In my experience, natural and organic fabrics are the only way to go. Better for the environment. Better for your health – no harmful chemicals or synthetic materials here!
Look for options like organic cotton, hemp, or linen. You’ll love how breathable they are. Plus, they tend to be moisture-wicking (which is great if you’re near a pool or on a hot day). They’re also biodegradable, which is awesome if you decide to toss them. It’s like the circle of life, but for your outdoor furniture.
Low-Impact Dyes and Finishes
I guess we need to talk about chemicals… and how to avoid them. Ideally, you can find outdoor furniture without them. But if that’s not an option, your best bet is to look for low-impact dyes and finishes. Natural stains and finishes like linseed oil, beeswax, and mineral oil are great options.
And for a pop of color, opt for water-based or low-VOC options. You may end up needing to maintain them more than furniture with traditional finishes, but that’s a small price to pay for a healthier planet.
Supporting Local Artisans and Fair Trade Practices
It’s easy that “sustainability = good for the planet”, and leave it at that. But that’s definitely not everything. We also have to consider supporting local artisans and fair trade practices. When you choose handcrafted furniture from local makers, you’re not just getting a unique and high-quality piece of outdoor furniture. You’re supporting small businesses and families. And in many regions, you’re keeping traditional craftsmanship alive. I can just imagine my teak furniture as a piece used by a an aging craftsman on the other side of the world passing his years of woodworking experience down to the next generation.
When you choose fair trade certified furniture, you can feel good knowing that the artisans who made it enjoyed fair wages and safe working conditions. It’s like a win-win-win situation – for you, for the artisans, and for the planet.
Maintenance and Longevity of Sustainable Outdoor Furniture
Now, I know you might be thinking, “Sure, sustainable outdoor furniture sounds great, but how do I make it last?” You can’t control the weather, but protecting your daybeds and lounges is easier than you might expect. A little regular effort on your part can help your eco-friendly pieces last for years.
| Material | Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|
| Wood | Regular cleaning, protective covers, off-season storage |
| Metal | Rust prevention, touch-up painting |
| Fabric | Spot cleaning, machine washing, UV protection |
Here’s Maintenance Rule #1: follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. This is critical. Regular cleaning. Protective covers. Off-season storage. The maker of the furniture would love to save the printing or web development time, if they didn’t think those instructions were important. So before you do anything else, read those instructions, and make a plan to use them. That’s the best way to protect your investment (and get more years of outdoor enjoyment).
Patio Productions is always ready to help answer your outdoor furniture maintenance questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
If something breaks or wears out, don’t be too quick to toss trash it. Because you don’t want it in a landfill if you can help it. Many sustainable outdoor furniture pieces are designed with wear and tear in mind. Cushions can be replaced. Replacement parts are often available.
Disposal and Recycling Options for Outdoor Furniture
- Donate gently used pieces to charity or thrift stores
- Recycle metal, plastic, and fabric components
- Repurpose or upcycle old furniture into new pieces
- Proper disposal to minimize environmental impact
All good things must come to an end, right? Even if you take meticulous care of it, your sustainable furniture will need to be replaced at some point. So what then? Don’t worry – you have plenty of eco-friendly disposal and recycling options to choose from.
If your furniture is still in good condition, take it to a local charity or thrift store. Or resell it to someone else who shares your passion for sustainable outdoor furniture. Just keep it out of that landfill while also helping someone in need.
And if it’s beyond repair, look for recycling options in your area. Many metal, plastic, and fabric components can be recycled and repurposed into new products – it’s like the ultimate form of upcycling!
The Last Sip
I love that you explored this topic today because I believe we can fully enjoy our nice outdoor things while taking care of the world around us. It might take a bit more effort, but it’s worth it. Sustainable outdoor daybeds and lounges are the perfect way to flex our values while we restore our energy. I’m a fan any time I can feel indulgent and virtuous at the same time.
The experts over here at Patio Productions are ready to chat if you have any more questions. And we’d love to help you plan and create your own eco-friendly chill venue. Hop on the website, give us a ring, or stop by the store.
Shop our daybeds and loungers now!
Eben Jol is a creative media specialist with over 9 years of experience creating helpful content for outdoor brands. In that time he has learned the ins and outs of the outdoor industry and has a keen understanding of what topics customers and information seekers need to know when they are planning and furnishing their outdoor space. He has gathered data and reported on industry insights for organizations such as the ICFA, and in his spare time, loves relaxing in his own backyard (and the great outdoors at large) with his wife and 3 kids.
