Recycling, Donating, Upcycling, Oh My! When It Comes to Furniture, There are More Options than You Think

In today’s world, many offices, producers, and consumers subscribe to the linear model – make, use, dispose – borne out of the Industrial Revolution. Our day-to-day lives have been infused with a mechanical quality, made up of buying and selling, need and want. Something breaks, we throw it out and by a new one; or, it doesn’t break, but it’s no longer new. With this intense consumerism taking up most of the world, more creative and less expensive alternatives have been developed as a result. In terms of your furniture, there are many ways you can break the mold of the linear model and subscribe to the circular model, which ensures that you can give your used household items a new life.

You have a few options when it comes to your furniture, beyond just throwing it out or sticking it in storage. The trend of recycling furniture started in the 2010s and has only picked up speed since. As a result, there are many new and creative ways to deal with your old furniture that benefit you, others, and the environment.

Ultimately, you should always consider recycling the item to protect the environment. What does it mean to recycle your furniture? There are a couple options. First, sell it; you can do a garage sale or even if you know of someone who needs furniture, at least you know you’ll be contributing to the circular model, and that your furniture won’t end up in a landfill.

Second, you could refinish or reupholster your furniture. It’s less expensive than buying a new piece of furniture, and can really change the look and feel of your piece.

Third, you could repurpose or upcycle your furniture; for example, you could use an old door as a headboard, or an old ladder as shoe storage, or even changing your old sheets into curtains counts as upcycling. It’s a much more hands-on, creative approach to repurposing your household items.

The final option is also our favorite: donating. When you donate your furniture, you know that it will go to somebody who needs it and will appreciate it. At the JRCC Furniture Depot, we hope this is your choice, and we would love to accept your gently used furniture donations. If you’re interested in donating, please contact us at 416-222-7105 x 500.