Green Daily

Need a new media center? Scour used furniture stores instead of heading to Ikea! Recently, my boyfriend moved in with me and with him came a huge television set and more electronic components than I know what to do with. It totally overwhelmed the media cart I've been using for the last six years and sent me off in search of a new solution. I ended up with a discontinued media stand from West Elm that fits the space, holds the TV (and all it's companion bits) and was a bargain to boot.

However, when we got it home, I realized that in terms of the environment, this media center was no bargain. It was packaged in a huge, heavy duty cardboard box and swathed in layer upon layer of petroleum based plastic wrapping. Huge sheets of styrofoam kept the shelves from banging together during shipping, and while I appreciated the concern for the well-being of my stand, I was horrified by the amount of stuff I would have to throw away just to have something to perch my television upon. Finally, when I read the label that told me that it had been made in China, I threw my hands up in disgust (but kept the stand--it was on clearance and unreturnable). All those fossil fuel-burning miles of transportation!

Next time I need a new piece of furniture, I'm searching my local thrift stores, Craig's List and used furniture stores before I head to the retail store. I can't handle the furniture guilt!