By Josie Kohlan and Kate McGoldrick

Photos by Kevin Korczyk 

Imagine walking into a space where every piece of furniture has a story — where every chair, table, and desk has been valued, repaired, and repurposed over time. Now imagine a world where people are treated the same way — valued for their unique contributions, experiences, and quirks.  

This idea isn’t just poetic; it’s practical. When we respect materials and resources, we create a culture of care that extends beyond objects and into how we treat each other. But today, we’re stuck in a cycle of consumption that is anything but sustainable.  

The Problem: A Disposable Mindset in a Changing World  

The modern furniture industry is built on rapid production, virgin material extraction, and global supply chains that contribute significantly to carbon emissions, deforestation, and waste. The result? Products that are used for a short period and then discarded — clogging landfills, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment, and wasting valuable resources.  

The good news? A shift is already happening.  

The Solution: Rethinking Design and Materials 

Businesses, designers, and consumers are beginning to challenge the traditional approach to furniture production by embracing sustainable, circular models. This shift involves:         

Prioritizing Craftsmanship & Simplicity: A return to high-quality, long-lasting furniture with streamlined components and fewer harmful chemicals, like PFAS.  

Innovating with Materials: Using nature-based solutions such as eelgrass for naturally Class A fire-rated panels or algae as a compostable alternative to foam.  

Leveraging Advanced Recycling & Technology: New biopolymer catalysts in recycled polyester can reduce landfill degradation time, making synthetic fibers degrade as quickly as wool.  

This is more than just innovation; it’s a fundamental change in how we value what we create.  

Building a Circular Economy: What Can You Do?  

By rethinking consumption habits, companies and individuals can contribute to creating a system that not only diverts waste from landfills but also fosters innovation in design, materials, and supply chain logistics. This type of thinking encourages businesses to invest in furniture that is built to last, easily repairable, and adaptable to evolving needs — ensuring a longer product lifecycle and less environmental impact.   

It is critical to include sustainability and facilities stakeholders early in the design process, as well as leveraging their knowledge for educated decision making during design and construction. Additionally, utilizing technology-driven tools can help streamline the process and create opportunities for ongoing improvement.    

If we want to make sustainable furniture the standard, we need a system where furniture is designed, used, then repurposed instead of discarded. Whether you’re a business leader, designer, or homeowner, here’s how you can contribute:  

Partner With Lifecycle Management Companies – Work with furniture dealers, logistics providers, and green disposal services to ensure furniture is reused or recycled responsibly.  

Include Sustainability from the Start – Sustainability shouldn’t be an afterthought. From the initial design phase to daily maintenance, plan for furniture’s longevity and reuse.  

Use Technology to Streamline Reuse – Digital platforms and AI-powered inventory tracking make it easier to buy, sell, and repurpose pre-owned furniture efficiently.  

Phoenix: A City Poised for Change  

As Arizona businesses and individuals seek greener alternatives, the circular furniture economy and healthy material movement is emerging as an effective way to minimize waste, reduce environmental impact, improve human and planetary health, and optimize costs. Phoenix, with its rapid growth and unique environmental challenges, has an opportunity to lead the way. Unlike other cities, our city lacks strict landfilling limitations, making waste reduction even more critical. 

The Call to Action: Be Part of the Solution  

Sustainable design and cultural shifts are not just a trend but a valuable shift toward a more resilient, responsible, and resource-conscious future. In a world where environmental concerns are urgent, embracing a circular furniture economy is not just an option — it’s a necessity. The choices we make today in how we design, produce, and repurpose furniture will shape the future of our cities, businesses, and communities.   

The future of furniture isn’t just about buying differently; it’s about thinking differently. Whether you’re a company looking to optimize costs, a designer reimagining how to furnish spaces, or a homeowner seeking durable, stylish, and sustainable options — your choices matter.  

By embracing sustainability today, we can ensure that furniture doesn’t just serve a short-term function before heading to a landfill but continues to bring value for generations.