Much like fast-fashion, the way we have come to consume and dispose of furniture is having a huge impact on the environment. Cheap-as-chips flat pack items have replaced built-to-last pieces, mainly due to the expense of the latter. But those sought after vintage one-of-a-kind items aren’t out of reach – you just need to know where to look. We caught up with Emmaus, who, amongst the many amazing things they do to help homeless people, upcycle and sell furniture. We spoke to communications manager Sarah Butlin to find out why one man’s trash really is another man’s treasure.
Emmaus UK is part of a global movement which supports those in most need across 37 countries. Emmaus started in France shortly after the Second World War, when homelessness was a big issue. The first Emmaus community was founded in Paris, in 1949 by Abbé Pierre, an MP, Catholic priest and former member of the French Resistance who fought to provide homes for those who lived on the streets of Paris.