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The Environmental Benefits of Buying Secondhand Office Furniture

buying secondhand

Office Furniture Significantly Impacts the Environment

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, many businesses are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and make more sustainable choices. One often overlooked area is office furniture, which can have a significant impact on the environment. While many companies opt for brand new furniture, there are numerous benefits to buying second hand office furniture.

In this blog post, we will explore the environmental benefits of buying secondhand office furniture and how it can make a positive impact on the planet.

Reducing Waste

One of the biggest environmental benefits of buying second hand office furniture is reducing waste. The furniture industry is notorious for generating a lot of waste, as companies constantly churn out new designs and styles. By purchasing second hand furniture, businesses can help reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and extend the lifespan of existing furniture.

Conserving Resources

Buying second hand office furniture also helps conserve natural resources, such as wood, metal, and plastic. Rather than using up more resources to manufacture new furniture, businesses can repurpose existing furniture and reduce their environmental impact. This is especially important as many natural resources are finite, and their extraction and processing can have significant environmental consequences.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

Manufacturing new office furniture requires a significant amount of energy, which contributes to carbon emissions and climate change. By purchasing second hand office furniture, businesses can reduce the amount of energy needed to produce new furniture and help mitigate their carbon footprint. Additionally, transportation emissions are reduced as the furniture does not need to be transported as far.

Cost Savings

Another benefit of buying second hand office furniture is the cost savings it can provide. Secondhand furniture is often significantly cheaper than new furniture, which can help businesses save money and allocate resources to other areas of the company. Additionally, purchasing second hand furniture can help businesses avoid the cost of disposal and reduce the need to purchase new furniture in the future.

Quality and Durability

Many secondhand office furniture items are built to last, as they were designed during a time when durability was a key consideration. This means that businesses can often find high-quality furniture that can withstand regular use and last for many years. This not only helps reduce waste and conserve resources but can also save businesses money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent furniture replacement.

How to Buy Second Hand Office Furniture

Now that we have explored the environmental benefits of buying secondhand office furniture, let's discuss how to go about purchasing it. Here are some tips to help you find high-quality, sustainable office furniture:

Research Local Secondhand Furniture Stores: Many cities have secondhand furniture stores that specialise in office furniture. These stores can be a great place to start when looking for secondhand office furniture. Research the stores in your area and check their inventory to see if they have what you are looking for.

Check Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can also be a great resource for finding secondhand office furniture. These platforms allow you to search for specific items and often provide pictures and descriptions to help you determine the condition of the furniture.

Ask for Recommendations: If you know other businesses or individuals who have purchased secondhand office furniture, ask them for recommendations. They may have tips on where to find the best deals or which stores have the best selection.

Check the Condition of the Furniture: Before purchasing secondhand office furniture, make sure to inspect it for any damage or signs of wear and tear. While some minor wear and tear is to be expected, ensure that the furniture is in good condition and will be able to withstand regular use.

What Do Our Customers Have to Say?

Diane Shannon (5 stars):

The price for this cabinet was really good and it is very sturdy and looks great. Brilliant for our needs. Service was excellent and delivery in a timely manner with no problems. Not the first time we have used this service and will no doubt use again.

Lorreine Kennedy (5 stars):

When I ran my business I’d bought furniture from RBF so knew the quality of their goods. I’ve semi-retired now and work from home now. I’ve been thinking of upgrading my desk to a sit stand for a while but hadn’t found the time. Finally, I took the plunge. I just adore the sit stand table. It’s a game changer and extremely comfortable. I bought a new chair too. The Steelcase Think chair. It’s super. Finally, I bought a tiny pedestal- I wish I had bought too it’s so cute! Am going to have to go back 🙄. Great value, very helpful and knowledgeable too.

Mark Walford (5 Stars):

We needed 10 office chairs for an upcoming client visit. RBF provided excellent value with a great quality of product. Yes, they are used but you wouldn’t be able to tell. Excellent speedy delivery and a great follow up. I would highly recommend their business.

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The Dirty Truth of Office Fridges: Why You Should Replace Your Office Fridge Today

Support Your Environment with Recycled Business Furniture

In a world where sustainability has become an urgent imperative, your choice to embrace eco-conscious practices matters more than ever. By choosing Recycled Business Furniture as your go-to source for secondhand office furniture, you're not just making a purchase; you're making a powerful statement. Our commitment to environmental responsibility goes beyond mere words – it's woven into the very fabric of our operations. Every desk, chair, and filing cabinet in our inventory represents a small victory for the planet, a step towards reducing waste and conserving resources.


As you outfit your workspace with our high-quality, gently used furniture, you're not just transforming your office; you're helping to reshape the future of our planet. Your support for sustainable practices can be as simple as a visit to our showroom in High Wycombe, where you'll discover a treasure trove of stylish, budget-friendly options that align with your values. Make the choice that matters, choose Recycled Business Furniture, and let's continue to make the world a greener, better place together.

updated: 7 months ago