Could a Circular System Provide Environmental Sanctuary?

EVALUATING FURNITURE CONSUMPTION IN THE EU AND SWEDEN

For students and temporary renters, furnishing a home is an essential part of settling into a new place. Whether moving to a university city for studies or transitioning between housing, the need for furniture is inevitable. 

 

Yet, how often do we think about what happens to those items when they are no longer needed?

 

Many students buy furniture for a few months and a couple of semesters, only to struggle with reselling or discarding it when they move. Unlike smaller household goods, furniture waste presents unique financial, logistics, and environmental challenges, especially when temporary usage, limited storage capacity, and disposal difficulties come into play 

 

Take a moment to recall your last experience moving – was it so easy process?

 

THE SCALE OF THE ISSUE

According to a statistical report by the European Federation of Furniture Manufacturers (UEA), over 4% of total municipal solid waste (MSW) in the EU comes from furniture. Despite increasing efforts towards recycling, a staggering 80% to 90% of furniture waste is incinerated or sent to landfill, with less than 10% recycled - as of the year of publication. 

 

In Sweden, bulky waste – including furniture – accounted for 36% of household’s total waste in 2023, representing up to 1.6 million tonnes (Avfall Sverige, 2024)

• 40% was recycled ♻️
• 56% was incinerated 🔥
• 4% was sent to landfill  🪹

 

Now, imagine how much of this waste comes from students who frequently move, often leaving behind furniture due to the hassle of transporting or selling it.

 

You may begin to see that the urgency for sustainable, affordable and accessible furniture alternatives for students' home renters has never been greater 

A WAY FORWARD

Naturing a sustainable consumption practice is not about avoiding furniture purchases altogether, but more towards making smarter choices that reduce waste while offering the flexibility and affordability most students seek.

 

Now what if as a student, you could access stylish, quality furniture without the hassle of discarding or reselling?  

 

This is where circular systems come into play - and StayRenta is well positioned as a solution. By promoting circular student furniture access, providing needed maintenance, and enabling budget-friendly reusability, we take one bold step closer to minimizing furniture incineration (at 56%) and landfill (at 4%). 

 

The Big Question: 

Would you choose a smarter, more flexible way to furnish your space, or continue with the old waste cycle? 

 

A circular and greener planet benefits everyone–students, property managers, universities and the environment alike. 🌿Sustainability and convenience can go hand in hand. Let’s be part of the change.