Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Buy secondhand furniture

Many consumers are rethinking the way they choose and purchase dressers, tables, chairs to decorate their home. Photo: AFP

Once only appreciated by connoisseurs, vintage furniture is now being embraced by many consumers. Not only do they like the retro aesthetics, but also their environmental footprint, which is much more reasonable than that of new furniture.

It is quite clear that furniture production can have a harmful effect on the planet. It is often produced by workers toiling in poor conditions and imported into countries from all over the world, giving it a large footprint in terms of transport.