WHY FURNITURE?

The New York Times highlights the issue of discarded furniture and the negative impact to New York City, with over 2,000 companies in the city with furniture and equipment stored in Dumbo warehouses since the pandemic.

Nationally, RTS (Recycle Track Systems), estimates over 8.5 million tons of office furniture waste generated in the U.S. Companies are moving into new spaces and have furniture they no longer need. The cost of purchasing new furniture can be prohibitively expensive for many community-based non-profit organizations.

WHY FURNITURE MATCH?

A platform for lasting impact through circular design, equity, and community connection. 

For NY nonprofit Community Organizations:

• Equitable access to quality commercial furniture—free or deeply discounted—from trusted partners with large-scale inventory.

• Complimentary or subsidized design support for qualifying projects, to create welcoming, functional spaces that uplift communities.

• A reliable pipeline for furniture that fosters healthy, inspiring environments for teams and communities.

For Architecture & Design Professionals:

• Meaningful opportunities to give back by volunteering with nonprofits in need of FF&E and design services.

• A platform to facilitate and amplify sustainable take-backs or donations of discontinued, excess, or lightly used items programs.

• Visibility as part of a growing community of purpose-driven designers advancing circularity and equity.

For Circular Economy & Sustainability Experts:

• A chance to contribute expertise, tools, and insights to a living circular economy model.

• Strategic partnership and collaboration, thought leadership opportunities.

• Visibility and backlinks through a curated resource directory featuring aligned organizations and innovators.

For Donors & Sponsors:

• Direct access to vetted organizations that process and repurpose commercial furnishings.

• A transparent platform that showcases the social and environmental impact of your support.

For the City:

• A grassroots tool to help meet NYC’s Zero Waste goals, including the DSNY Zero Waste Pledge and Challenge.

• A scalable model for reuse infrastructure that complements city sustainability and equity efforts.

For the Planet:

• A shift in how we value materials and furniture, demonstrating that reuse and inclusive design can coexist beautifully.

• Proof that waste diversion and design-for-all are not in conflict, but essential to each other.