Question: We have a couch. It’s almost 30 years old and only 9 of them were ever made. Meaning it used to be a designer piece but after 15 years of kids, it looks like it’s ready for the dump. But, rather than toss this out, I’d like to be eco-chic and recover the piece. It has great bones and is super comfy. What do you recommend for recovering? I need something beautiful, durable, affordable and earth friendly. I’m having trouble finding materials to fit those requirements. Oh, and it also needs to be re-stuffed. What innards do you suggest for re-upholstering furniture.
Thanks!

R.S. –Portland, OR

Cheryl: Here is my answer. It’s a wonderful thing to take a sofa you’ve treasured for many years and give it a face lift. Your personal energy as well as the energy in your space will be enhanced and, in my experience, that change can be very powerful. Thank-you for doing this with a concern for the environment. Lucky for us, there are many eco-chic options available on the market. Currently, beautiful fabrics like hemp, flax, wool, organic cotton and other recycled materials are now being used in reupholstery work. None of these fabrics contain any artificial fire retardant chemicals (an added bonus!) that in the past have been known to cause cancer. Wool, for example has a natural fire retardant and is easy to clean. My favorite place to buy organic textiles right now is Indika. They produce everything locally in Montana and the fabric choices are 100% organic, beautiful and vast. As far as the innards of your sofa, just check in with your local reupholstery shop and asked them what they are using. Most of them keep it local (which is green in itself) and will offer a sustainable option without any icky chemicals added. Good luck and keep me posted!