Questions to ask when sourcing materials & products for your space
Being a consumer, in some ways, has never been easier. I can get groceries in two hours without moving away from the computer and in one (more like four) trips to the nearest home improvement store I can have a brand new room from floor to chair to ceiling. Being a responsible consumer, on the other hand, has never been more challenging. Regulations for building products, materials and furniture are minimal and finding information about said products is difficult.
We’ve compiled a list of questions to ask when investing in something new for your space that prompt you to consider its impact on your health, impact beyond your space, and determine if it's worth the cost.
What is this product made of?
Unfortunately, finding out the contents of a building material or furniture item is almost never as transparent as reading a nutrition label for the food you’re eating. When purchasing in person, read the packaging as thoroughly as possible and ask questions of the sales personnel in the store. Oftentimes buying online can be easier from a research standpoint, since you can dig deeper and more quickly compare sources, though being able to see and feel a product first hand is irreplaceable. When you’re looking at a product, whether in person or online, check for harmful chemicals including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), formaldehyde, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These chemicals are shown to be hazardous to human health and can off-gas, releasing harmful components into the air we breathe. If you see any of these ingredients listed, it’s best to avoid the product. As an alternative, look for the inclusion of natural ingredients like cotton, wool, linen, jute, hemp, linseed, cork, stone (marble, limestone, granite, soapstone), bamboo, and other specific wood species.
Where does this product come from?
This may be the most difficult question to answer. Products are required to be marked with where they are made, but that is typically only the last location where significant contributions to the product were made. Why does it matter where the product is made? The primary reasons are: the differences in labor laws, manufacturing conditions, and environmental standards between countries. Generally speaking, Europe and Canada have the most stringent requirements, followed by the United States. The worst countries for workers include most of Southeast Asia, the Middle East and parts of Central and South America. Uncoincidentally, these regions are also some of the lowest scoring on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The location a product is coming from also contributes to its environmental impact via transportation. For example, say a textile is made in North Carolina from organic cotton grown in Georgia and that textile gets shipped to New York and a small shop makes the textile into a pillow cover that is then shipped to the consumer. The environmental impact of these three layers of transportation is much less than a textile that is made in China from organic cotton grown in Georgia that is then made into a pillow cover in that same New York shop. It is difficult to get information on each step or location in a manufacturing process, but hopefully this example paints a picture of how transportation adds up and contributes to a product’s impact on the environment.
One of the best purchasing strategies is to buy from companies that are transparent about where and how their products are manufactured, as well as how they treat their workers. For example, Made in the USA products are a great start, and can in many cases be a positive product attribute. It is worth noting that a product could only have a very small final step completed in the country, and still count as made here. There are still many US companies that do not implement fair wages or ethical standards of manufacturing.
“One of the best purchasing strategies is to buy from companies that are transparent about where and how their products are manufactured, as well as how they treat their workers.”
What is the lifespan of this product?
Selecting a durable, well-performing product will always be one of the most sustainable decisions we can make. A product should be inspected carefully for what it is made of and how it is made to determine what its life span will be. With this comes selecting products that are appropriate for the intended use, which requires considering the conditions and circumstances the product will be exposed to such as water, pets, weather, and sunlight to name a few. Warranty is an additional determining factor. We like to source from manufacturers that stand behind their product to make sure it is performing exactly how it is intended and care about the end result. Many manufacturers will take back products at the end of their life for reuse or recycling. This type of extended producer responsibility shows care for and commitment to the customer and the environment. Another important consideration in determining the lifespan of a product is what value it holds for you. Is this something that you envision liking for 5 years or more? Do you truly like everything about it, or is it following a trend that could quickly fade? Considering how a product will age and change over time is essential.
Is the price tag worth it?
Will it maintain its value over time? Is this something that could be sold in the future? Are you paying for quality? The answer to these questions will differ widely from person to person and the price is only one indicator. Paying more for a product does not necessarily mean it was manufactured sustainably and under ethical conditions, but if you take time to think about all of the components that go into the product, you should be able to get a good gut feeling. Take a $10 pillow as an example. Is it realistic that the fabric, filling, sewing, and transportation could all be high quality, sourced, and completed responsibly for $10? Probably not. Price and value are not the same. It may be worth saving a little longer to make a better value purchase. You do not need to settle for the first product that fits your criteria and budget; take time to shop around (or let us do that for you 😄). Consider if it is something you could find vintage or at a resale or discount shop. It is also worth noting that most designers, including us, have access to better pricing and discounting from manufacturers. We list this consideration last because the previous questions should be helpful in determining what a product’s value is to you. Strive for future heirlooms, not future trash.
We recognize that taking into consideration all of these questions when making a purchase may seem overwhelming. Don’t let that discourage you. Start small and build upon your research and knowledge as you go. As your understanding deepens, you will feel more confident, empowered and excited about what you are bringing into your space.