I’d start by treating carbon footprint as a whole-life issue, not just a recycled-content badge. For urban outdoor furniture, the greenest piece is usually the one that stays out of landfill for 15–20 years and can be repaired. Look first at materials: powder-coated recycled aluminum is often a smart choice for frames because it’s light, corrosion-resistant, and highly recyclable; FSC-certified wood or reclaimed timber works well for slats and tabletops if it’s finished for city weather; and recycled HDPE is practical for benches and planters. Avoid mixed-material sandwiches that can’t be separated, and don’t assume “recyclable” means it will actually be recycled.
Then ask where and how it was made. Local manufacturing cuts transport emissions and makes replacement parts easier to get. Request an EPD or embodied-carbon figure if available, plus details on recycled content and finish off-gassing. Low-VOC, water-based coatings are better for users and workers. Durability matters more than a clever eco-label: stainless or galvanized hardware, replaceable slats, standard bolts, and design-for-disassembly all extend life and make maintenance realistic in a city.
Also think about the urban context: rain, sun, salt, heavy use, and occasional vandalism. A slightly heavier, well-anchored bench may beat a lightweight one that fails in two years. Choose modular designs so one damaged part can be swapped, not the whole set. Ask about packaging—minimal, plastic-free, or reusable—and end-of-life take-back. Finally, compare total cost and carbon over time, not just purchase price. A repairable, locally sourced, low-VOC piece with clear material labels is usually the safer low-carbon bet.