the hidden environmental cost of new furniture – and how you can reduce it

Every home needs furniture, but have you ever considered the environmental impact of buying new pieces? The furniture industry is a major contributor to deforestation, carbon emissions, and landfill waste, making it one of the least sustainable sectors in retail. The good news? There are ways to furnish your home beautifully while making eco-conscious choices. At Lagom Hem, we believe in reducing waste, embracing second-hand and returned furniture, and promoting a circular economy. Here’s what you need to know about the hidden environmental cost of new furniture – and how you can make a difference.

the carbon footprint of mass furniture production

Every step of the furniture manufacturing process – from sourcing raw materials to shipping finished products – adds to its carbon footprint. Here’s how:

• Deforestation: Wood furniture contributes to global deforestation, with millions of trees cut down annually to meet consumer demand.

• High energy consumption: Manufacturing furniture requires intensive energy, especially when using virgin materials like fresh timber, metal, and plastics.

• Transportation emissions: Most mass-produced furniture is made overseas and shipped worldwide, increasing CO2 emissions from freight transport.

By choosing second-hand or returned furniture, you help reduce demand for new production and lower the overall carbon footprint of the industry.

landfill waste from discarded furniture

The fast-furniture trend has led to a culture of disposable home goods. Cheap, low-quality furniture often lasts only a few years before being discarded. Here’s why that’s a problem:

• Over 9 million tonnes of furniture waste end up in landfills each year.

• Many materials, such as laminated wood, foam, and synthetic fabrics, take decades to decompose.

• Large-scale furniture disposal contributes to toxic chemical leaks from glues, paints, and finishes.

Instead of adding to the problem, buying pre-owned or returned furniture gives quality pieces a second life and prevents them from becoming waste.

the impact of furniture returns

Many people assume that when they return furniture, it goes back on sale. In reality, a large percentage of returned furniture is thrown away due to logistical costs, minor imperfections, or outdated inventory. This leads to:

• Unnecessary waste of fully functional furniture.

• Increased retailer losses, which get passed onto consumers through higher prices.

• Missed opportunities for resale and reuse.

At Lagom Hem, we work with retailers to rescue these returned items, making them available at affordable prices while keeping them out of landfills.

how to reduce your furniture footprint

Want to furnish your home sustainably? Here are a few practical steps:

• Buy second-hand or returned furniture from trusted marketplaces like Lagom Hem.

• Opt for high-quality, durable materials that last longer.

• Upcycle or repair furniture instead of discarding it.

• Support brands with ethical and sustainable production practices.

the future of sustainable furniture

The way we buy and dispose of furniture is changing. More consumers are recognising the environmental impact of mass furniture production and turning to circular economy solutions like second-hand shopping and furniture restoration.

At Lagom Hem, we’re committed to reshaping the industry by making sustainable furniture accessible and affordable. By choosing returned, second-hand, and upcycled pieces, you’re not just decorating your home – you’re making a conscious decision to protect the planet.

Explore our collection today and start your journey toward a more sustainable, stylish home.