But now, eco-friendly patio furniture is available at even the biggest retailers—whether you want outdoor furniture crafted of plastic that’s been recovered from the oceans, built-to-last wood furniture from sustainable sources, or even cushions crafted of recycled polyester. Before you shop, consider these tips to pick the perfect patio furniture for you—and the planet. Wood furniture should be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures that the wood was forested from a sustainable source. With recycled plastic furniture, see how much of the material is recycled, and how much is new plastic. Some manufacturers also look for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their production, such as paying for carbon offsets or reducing waste, which makes it even more environmentally conscious. Consider investing a little more into patio furniture that will stand up to the elements—many eco-friendly manufacturers provide 20-year warranties on their products. Even better? Some offer to completely recycle your set into a new one when the time is right. Even better, when your furniture is ready to be retired, Yardbird will take it back and recycle it fully. You can also get sofas, tables, and lounge chairs made from the brand’s proprietary recycled plastic “wood.” The sofa cushions have a unique built-in cover, to help protect them from the elements when they’re not in use—and the covers wrap around the cushions to make it easy to carry them away for storage when the season is over. You can also get wicker furniture and outdoor rugs manufactured from recycled plastics. (You can also get conversation sets, lounge chairs, and larger dining tables in the same style set.)
