Reclaimed wood usually refers to wood that has been previously used for a different purpose, such as in old buildings, barns, factories, or other structures. Instead of being discarded or ending up as waste, this wood is salvaged and repurposed for various new applications. Something that’s just as good of an alternative is using Mango wood.
When it came time to refresh our furniture, we wanted to find things made sustainably and in an eco-friendly manner. We also wanted to ensure that the people involved in producing those furniture pieces were compensated fairly. Our requirements culminated in us finding Mango Wood furniture that was hand-made by artisans in Rajasthan, India (we used a company called “Sierra Living Concepts” in CA).
Mango wood is considered sustainable because it is primarily derived from mango trees that have reached the end of their fruit-bearing life or from trees that have been removed to make way for new mango plantations. Mango trees need to be replaced periodically to maintain optimal fruit production and using the wood from these trees repurposes a resource that would otherwise be discarded or worse burnt, leading to more carbon emissions. Mango trees are fast-growing, with some varieties reaching maturity within 15-20 years. This rapid growth rate allows for more frequent harvesting cycles compared to slower-growing hardwood trees, which can take decades to mature. Thus, harvesting mango wood for commercial purposes can reduce the pressure on natural forests and old-growth trees. For farmers and communities in mango-producing regions, selling mango wood can provide an additional source of income beyond the fruit itself, incentivizing sustainable land management and encouraging the preservation of the mango plantations. Arguably using mango wood for furniture has negative emissions!
If you are worried about the emissions from shipping the furniture from India to US, it is not any worse than anything coming from China to the US. Purchasing hand-made furniture made by artisans in India at fair-trade prices ensures that the skills and generational talent of creating these pieces continues to flourish.
Mango wood furniture has a rustic and vintage aesthetic and every piece of furniture has its unique grain pattern. Our furniture has received numerous compliments over the years.