The environmental impact of fast furniture & mass-produced goods
Share
At ADAMSMADE, we believe every object tells a story. As does the way it’s made. As an upcycling business rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship and spiritual awareness, we’ve seen how much beauty and value can be salvaged from what others might call "waste." But alongside this beauty is a troubling reality: the environmental damage caused by fast furniture and mass-produced goods is growing, and it's affecting our planet in irreversible ways.
This post isn’t just a wake-up call. It’s an invitation to be part of the solution.
What is fast furniture, and why is it a problem?
Fast furniture is to interiors what fast fashion is to wardrobes. Cheap, trend-driven and designed for short-term use, it’s often built from low-grade materials like particleboard and MDF, shipped halfway across the world, and discarded after just a few years (or less).
At first glance, fast furniture might seem convenient:
It’s affordable
It’s accessible
It’s fashionable
But behind those quick fixes lies a much bigger cost; one that the Earth is paying for.
The hidden cost: environmental damage behind the scenes
At ADAMSMADE, we’ve committed our craft to slowing things down, and for good reason. The environmental impact of fast furniture includes:
1. Deforestation and resource depletion
Mass-produced furniture relies heavily on cheap, non-sustainable wood, often logged from endangered forests. This contributes directly to habitat destruction and the loss of biodiversity as well as a significant increase in carbon emissions.
Our alternative: We use reclaimed timber and vintage materials, breathing new life into what already exists rather than cutting more down.
2. Landfill overload
Furniture is one of the fastest-growing types of waste in the UK. Items made from poor-quality materials simply don’t last, and often aren’t even recyclable. This creates a throwaway culture, with mountains of furniture ending up in landfill each year.
At ADAMSMADE, our work prevents waste by transforming unwanted items like chairs, tables, even jewellery boxes into meaningful, functional pieces.
3. Toxins and pollution
Many fast furniture items are full of chemicals: formaldehyde, VOCs, synthetic paints and glues all harmful to the environment, and potentially to your health.
Our upcycled creations are finished with eco-conscious products, often hand-sanded, repainted and revived with natural oils or water-based finishes.
4. High carbon footprint & unethical practices
Fast furniture is usually made overseas, in large factories with minimal regard for fair labour or the environment. Long-distance shipping racks up emissions, while workers are often underpaid in unsafe conditions.
We are proud to be a local, UK-based maker crafting each piece by hand, with love, care and a strong focus on ethical sourcing.
How you can help make a change
Every one of us has a role to play in reversing the damage. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the wasteful nature of modern consumerism, here are some ways you can make a real impact:
1. Choose upcycled over new
Upcycled furniture doesn’t just look good, it feels good, too. Every piece at ADAMSMADE is a celebration of second chances, designed to last, and made with soul.
2. Repair and restore
That worn-out coffee table? It might just need a little TLC. We often say that imperfections tell the best stories. We can help you restore a cherished piece, or create something completely new from it.
3. Buy less, buy better
Fast furniture encourages impulse buying. Instead, invest in timeless, high-quality items that you'll love for years. Every ADAMSMADE piece is designed with longevity and intention in mind.
4. Support small, ethical makers
When you support a small business like ours, you're not just buying furniture, you're backing a philosophy. You’re choosing craft over convenience, ethics over excess.
From waste to wonder: our philosophy at ADAMSMADE
At the heart of ADAMSMADE is a deep respect for materials, for mindfulness, and for the environment.
“As someone with Buddhist values and a daily meditation practice, see every creation as a form of renewal. A way to slow down, breathe, and bring intention into our homes.” - Paul Adams
That’s why we upcycle more than just furniture. You’ll also find meditation stools, jewellery boxes, and smaller handcrafted items in our collection. Each one is made with gratitude, and a genuine belief in beauty through simplicity and sustainability.
Final thoughts ー every choice matters
Fast furniture might offer instant gratification, but the long-term consequences are too severe to ignore. Through mindful, sustainable choices, we can all take steps to reduce our footprint, protect our forests, and build a better world.
At ADAMSMADE, we invite you to join us in turning waste into wonder, one conscious choice, one crafted piece at a time.
By Caroline Adams