5 Benefits to Repurposing Office Furniture

According to the EPA, there is a large amount of office furniture that is tossed each year, generating an enormous amount of wasted resources. This also $93 to $100 million in disposal costs per year used by said companies trying to get rid of said furniture. This is why repurposing or upcycling is one of the best options you can consider for your business. It saves you money, resources and helps the environment. Much unlike recycling computers, furniture in general takes more of everything (money, time, energy) to dispose of. Below, we’ll list the top five reasons to consider reusing your existing office furniture.

1. Conserve: Of course, when you think recycling/ upcycling you have to think about the conservation of natural resources. Oftentimes, products like furniture last longer than we tend to keep them. The longer they stay in use, the less resources and energy that are used to make new (and unnecessary pieces). 

2. Reduce waste: wasted materials, resources, energy and money. This is all a result of total product destruction that still has life left in it. When you reuse your existing furniture, you end up conserving an estimated 5-9 lbs. of original material used in the manufacturing of the piece. That adds up! 

3. VOC reduction: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are used in the manufacturing of office furniture and many other products. These compounds slowly seep into the air during the lifespan of the furniture. The highest amount of this leaching happens during the first two years of life. The longer you keep the furniture around, the less harmful it becomes over time. This reduces health risks to you and your office staff. 

4. Built to last: Even if you’re not hosting regular arm wrestling matches at your office, you’re bound to incur in some regular wear and tear of your desks, chairs, tables, etc. This is ok since these pieces are meant to withstand the regular, daily use. The average lifespan of office furniture nowadays is 20-30 years. If you’re concerned about looks, try picking out sleek, timeless designs that won’t make you cringe ten years down the line. 

5. Contribute LEED points: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points can move your company closer toward certification in areas of waste management, materials and resource use, and recycled content. You’ll also earn points by following sticking to # 3. Repurposing office furniture will potentially earn your company points in 15 different areas.