You may have heard of fast fashion, but have you heard of fast furniture? It's a similar concept; furniture is mass produced using low quality materials. What these two categories have in common other than their high speed and low quality is the fact that they are designed to be disposable. The draw of fast furniture is undeniable and understandable, but there are many reasons you should try to resist.
Cheap Adds Up
Although fast furniture is extremely affordable, the fact that many pieces don't last more than 2 or 3 years can really do a number on the wallet. Buying a $150 couch which will break in a year and swapping it for a trendier model which will also break in a year, and so on, makes much less economic sense than investing in a quality piece of furniture that will last.
Fast furniture is priced so low because it's built with cheap materials. Many of these pieces are made from particle board covered in laminate or veneer. According to Medium, this means you can't sand down or repaint any surface damages and the edges will be prone to splitting at the seams and peeling away. What's more, if the particle board is exposed and then comes into contact with water or excessive humidity, it will swell and rot.
It's As Wasteful As It Is Fast
A huge amount of global landfill waste every year is furniture. The EPA reported that over 12 million tons of furniture is discarded every year in the US. Compounding the problem is the fact that composite materials used to make mattresses, sofas and particle boards are non-recyclable. Over 9 million tons of furniture waste ends up in a landfill. Many of these materials are also toxic, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment in addition to costing resources and taking up space in a landfill.
Cheap Furniture Costs Human Rights
The New Republic reported that while skilled laborers earn about $35 an hour for manufacturing furniture, in China they only earn about $5, and in Vietnam, less than $2.50. Similar to the fast fashion crisis destroying communities with pollution and poverty in countries like India and Bangladesh, fast furniture is taking its toll on those least equipped to defend their rights.
Shop Responsibly
Invest in furniture which is built well to last long. If a piece becomes damaged, try to repair it before tossing it out. Arwood's offers a huge selection of brands to find the perfect pieces to last you for many years. Take a look at the website or come into the store for expert advice on how to furnish your home with high-quality pieces, which will both elevate your space and do the world some good.
