The whole concept of collecting, utilizing, selling and restoring antiques is probably one the oldest green concepts around. The idea of restoring an old piece of furniture or architectural piece is about as green an approach that can be taken. How wonderful to have things last for hundreds of years and still be functional and pleasing to the eye.
To have a piece of furniture that was crafted one hundred years or more earlier is quite a treasure. The tree that was cut down to construct it was likely a very old tree a hundred years ago. Antique were normally made by the craftsman in the the old days with the intent of it lasting forever, or at least as long as possble without abuse. The modern furniture today is mostly made with an intended shelf life so that you will have to throw it away and replace it within 5 years of serious use. Not so with the antique furniture.
Just think of all the trees cut down and the chemicals used to fashion most modern furniture like Ikea brands etc. Much waste and not green at all.More like greed. They want it to break so you will keep coming back for more.
So the next time you think about replacing a piece of furniture in your house, think green, think antiques, think of the investment value along with the satisfaction of knowing you are preserving something for many years to come.
If green is the future, look to the past in antique collecting to have a green home. It may not solve all the problems, but it is a great plce to start that can be done with great pleasure and satisfaction.