Question from Joelle
Hi Debra,
thanks for all you do in helping families try to live as non-toxic and cleanly as possible!
I have read every single one of the Q&A’s regarding non-toxic, green, eco-friendly, sofas and I am still at a loss. I cannot afford the $5000 price tag for an organic sofa and to be honest, I do not like the looks of most of the options out there. This being said, here is my question and I would truly appreciate your input.
I am at the point where I would like to purchase the most non-toxic sofa that I can afford (Pottery Barn eco-friendly) and add [one of the room air purifiers]=(link to air filters page of Debra’s List) that you did a show on into the room. I used to have an “all or nothing” attitude about detoxing our home but the reality is that the budget will simply not allow for that and we need to get on with joyfully living!
Debra’s Answer
I think you’ve made the best decision that meets your needs.
I once had to make the decision to go work in a toxic office building, so I just took my air filter with me and put it on my desk.
It’s better that you make a less toxic choice that you can afford than make no improvement at all.
As a consumer advocate I have to give you the best choices I can and educate you about the options, and then it’s up to you to choose what is right for you. That’s why I often don’t recommend products that still have some toxic exposures that may be acceptable to some people in some circumstances.
I think you’ve done a great job at figuring this out for yourself.
The old sofa is on its last leg and its time for me to make a decision. Thanks for your help!
My environmental specialist had 2 high powered air cleaners in his office and I still got a major migraine from someone that had stayed in a hotel and had gotten a fragrance on their clothing. The air cleaners didn’t take care of the problem while I was in their small office with this person there that was also being tested. Just letting you know that you may have to return it and that the air cleaner may not take care of the problem if you get a reaction to the couch. Ask them if it doesn’t work for you if you can return it. Our house is 1200 square ft and I really don’t have anywhere to put something to off-gas. If you do it may work for you. Good luck! I’m also in need of a new couch. We’re trying to figure out what to do too or to find someone to re-upholster that doesn’t have air fresheners, etc in their place of business or home. Joelle would you mind sharing the name of the eco-friendly couch that you found at Pottery Barn?
There’s only one. See Q+A” New “Eco-Friendly” Furniture From Pottery Barn.
I don’t understand why a company cannot produce a decent non-toxic sofa/chair, etc. I know it’s about the money, but it seems as if educating oneself about toxic furniture leaves people frustrated and w/ no options unless they are wealthy. Many people cannot afford 3-5000 for a sofa. I need a sofa now and do not want to spend that kind of money… Where are the people who can build a non toxic sofa for the masses? This is ridiculous. To Bonnie: when you say, no problems, I have to add, “yet”. How do you know that down the line you won’t have symptoms of toxicity? Unfortunately, we don’t know the answer to that, ….yet. Anyway, sorry for being pessimistic, but the options for affordable non toxic stuff is really not out there. On a positive note, awareness always empowers the consumer to seek better, safe(r) products/materials.
I agree with you. Here’s what I think is the answer to your question.
One of the reasons natural sofas cost more is the cost of the materials.
The other reason is labor costs. These natural sofas are all handmade, where the mass market sofas are assembly line.
When there is greater demand for nontoxic products they will be made in greater numbers and the price will come down.
Many years ago I needed a sofa and there were NO nontoxic sofas to buy. I had to get an old sofa, strip it down to the wood frame, and have it reupholstered. At least today you can buy a nontoxic sofa.
Affordable mass market nontoxic sofas will come.
John you know I do not know really the long term effects to be honest. I just know my body is highly sensitive to furniture and fabrics and for some reason the PB sofa was ok with my body. It took a month for me to trust it enough to try. It never had a odor that I could smell but I wanted to be sure so I did not sit on it much for those 30 days. When I went into the room I did not get sick and I had a sofa from Crate and Barrel that took 6 mos to get rid of that faint smell. I kept it in a spare room and opened the windows. It finally off gassed. You would think someone would make a stylish sofa that was all organic and toxin free. They make them but only the rich can afford them.
I have a Pottery Barn Sofa and it took a little to air after I got it but does not bother me now. My slipcover is off white so there was no dyed color to get used to.
How long did it take?
Took a month for mine. I kept it in the house but avoided it. I sat on it and have had no problems.