Not only should we think about 1) the efficient use of (scarce) materials, but also 2) how much product is created. Do you ever get that sick to your stomach feel when you walk into a shopping center and there is just so much stuff? Custom orders are very good for the environment. We're less likely to make an impulse purchase and less likely to quickly dispose of it, if we take the time to think about what we're ordering.
Some additional criteria for evaluating the Greenness of Luxury Furniture:
3) The Product Longevity of Luxury Furniture. We should seek out products constructed to last more than 2 human lifetimes. That's not so hard, in principle. However, longevity also means the product should be:
- Designed to serve its purpose. Is it functional as well as beautiful?
- Aesthetically pleasing over a very long timeline and in different cultural contexts. There are many examples in French, Italian Renaissance, mid-century furniture (which has now made a revival), and African Furniture (such as traditional stools and hand-carved doors) which last for centuries and increase in value over time.
And last but not least, I come to my fourth criteria...
4) Price - Is the product price supported by the quality and longevity? The answer should be a definitive YES!
- The expected life expectancy of a product should be positively correlated to its price. (sorry throwback to my finance days).
- Products made to last beyond one’s lifetime will inevitably have a higher price to cover the costs of superior production, material, and design.
A shorter life should be positively tied to a lower price. However, lower price doesn't mean lower cost to the consumer over a long period.
Look for my forthcoming note on planned obsolescence.
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