With nature at the heart of the inspiration for our furniture, we believe it’s especially important to consider our planet when shopping for the nursery. Sourcing sustainable items should be rewarding and inexpensive, so we’ve shared some useful tips to show you how.
Choose Natural or Recycled Materials
It may sound obvious, but choosing natural materials and products can be trickier than you think. If a brand claims their products are made from a cotton for example, look at the composition as often natural materials are combined with a large amount of man-made fibres.
Bamboo and rattan are considered sustainable as they are fast-growing and don’t require a large amount of energy to produce. The fact they are natural also means they’re biodegradable!
Here at Boori we favour the most natural resources available to us, which is why we use sustainable timber wherever possible. Our wood comes from FSC-certified sources to reduce our impact on the world’s tree population and we adopt innovative laser-measuring technology in our factory to reduce wastage.
Now that we’re all aware of the horrors of single use plastic, some brands are going above and beyond to transform plastic waste into the most amazing creations. Weaver Green make budget-friendly rugs out of up to 3000 recycled plastic bottles, proving rubbish can be transformed into something beautiful and sustainable products aren’t always more expensive!
Look for Eco-Friendly Certifications
Many brands showcase their eco-friendly status, but if their claim seems vague and they don’t have the accreditations to back it up then it may well be too good to be true! Keep a look out for recognised certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for fabrics, Carbon Neutral Certified, Fairtrade, FSC and Rainforest Alliance Certified etc.
Awards are also a great indication of a brand’s level of commitment to our planet. We are extremely proud to have our efforts recognised by Loved by Parents who named us as the ‘Best Ethical Brand’ in 2019.
Opt for Multi-Purpose or Reusable Products
When you bring your newborn home, they’ll seem so tiny in their cot bed but you’ll soon be aware of just how quickly they grow. Although some things like clothes and shoes will inevitably be outgrown, with a bit of thought you can create a nursery that will grow with your child to reduce wastage.
Cot beds, for example, can transform into a toddler bed, supporting your little one from birth to around 5 years old. With our unique conversion technology, our Expandable™ Cot Beds can become a full adult-sized single bed and our Convertible Plus™ Cot Beds transform into a full adult-sized single bed and cosy sofa (at the same time!).
Adjustable products allow your child’s environment to adapt as they grow. Look for height adjustable kids’ desks and chairs and opt for storage furniture that can be repurposed when your child is that little bit older.
Reduce the VOCs in Your Home
‘Volatile chemicals’ sounds rather scary, and isn’t particularly nice to associate with your baby’s nursery but it’s important to know what they are so that you can keep them to a minimum in your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds can easily become gases, which can then be breathed in or come into contact with skin. They originate from things like cleaning agents, paints, carpets and furniture and in a small enclosed space, these can accumulate and pollute our fresh air.
The easiest way to reduce VOCs in the nursery is simply to choose products with low VOCs and nursery-friendly paint finishes. Stick to mild or natural cleaning products and ensure good ventilation by keeping windows and air vents open.
Discard Products with Care
Even multi-purpose or reusable items can reach the end of their lifespan and when they do it’s important to dispose of them responsibly. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and if possible give products such as clothing or toys to family members or donate to a local charity.
We hope this post helps you shop more sustainably for your nursery. If you have any questions on our commitment to sustainability, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
