A Sustainable Furniture Store
JANUARY 23, 2025
Intro
There’s been a lot of discussion lately about how truly ‘green’ sustainability really is. Some argue that it’s more about optics than actual impact, while others swear by the positive changes it’s driving. In this article, we explore two clear trends in our Champaign business that are making a tangible, positive impact on the environment, far beyond the hype.
Recycled Plastic in Our Poly Furniture
At Cardinal, we’ve always been committed to providing customers with high-quality, long-lasting patio furniture. Recently, our focus on sustainability has led our Champaign store to become the Largest Dealer of Poly Furniture in the Midwest. For those unfamiliar with poly, it’s made from recycled plastic (HDPE #2)—specifically, plastic beverage bottles and soap containers. This innovative material from Tangent is not only sustainable but is also incredibly strong, durable, and can last outdoors for 20-25 years, all while offering the same aesthetic appeal as traditional wood furniture.
What initially drew us to sustainable poly furniture was its exceptional performance—it’s resistant to weather, fading, and general wear and tear. But as we continued to learn more about its benefits, we realized just how much of an environmental difference it could make on a larger scale. By repurposing recycled plastic, we’re reducing waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. In fact, a single large poly furniture set (weighing about 500 pounds) can be made from the equivalent of 3,500 milk jugs worth of plastic. That’s a significant amount of plastic that doesn’t have to sit in a landfill, and we’re proud to offer sustainable furniture options that contribute to a healthier planet.
Sustainably Harvested Wood in Our Luxury Brazilian Walnut Wood Furniture
One of the most exciting developments in our line of sustainable furniture is the introduction of our new indoor/outdoor furniture collection (Jensen), which uses Brazilian Walnut, sourced sustainably from Bulgaria. Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) is an exceptional wood—beautiful, strong, and incredibly durable. While many high-end American furniture makers traditionally use American Walnut for its striking aesthetic, Brazilian Walnut offers the same visual appeal, but with over three times the hardness, dimensional stability, and durability of its American counterpart. This makes it the perfect choice for heirloom-quality sustainable furniture that is meant to be passed down through generations. This wood can last over 50 years outdoors with zero maintenance—just imagine how long you and your descendants could enjoy it indoors.
What makes Brazilian Walnut especially impressive isn’t just its strength or beauty—it’s the Sustainable Way it’s Harvested. Brazil and Bulgaria have strict regulations in place to protect these precious forests. As part of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Program, the harvesting process is closely monitored to ensure that only a small percentage of trees—no more than 1%—are taken each year, and only those over 100 years old. This careful management helps ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy these forests while also supporting local economies.
A Sustainable Future with Furniture That Lasts
We believe that environmental sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality—in fact, it often enhances it. Our focus on providing sustainable furniture that lasts, whether through recycled plastic or responsibly sourced wood, demonstrates our commitment to making a real difference in the future of furniture in Champaign IL, and beyond.