Why you might want to replace that old couch

Do you know when your couch was made? If it was before 2014, there’s a very good chance it’s filled with poison. Since 1975, couch cushioning has been loaded with flame retardant chemicals. This foam flakes into dust and fills our homes with carcinogens. The good news is that these chemicals are being phased out. And researchers have just demonstrated that replacing your old couch with a new one can reduce toxic chemicals in your life. So how do you know if your couch could be making you sick? Check the tags. Here’s what to look for. — Mark Wilson   Your couch may be killing you Flame retardants can add dangerous chemicals to your home. And a new study proves that couches are full of ’em.   READ MORE   Ford is moving into one of Detroit’s oldest neighborhoods. Can it prevent displacement? Can a major company move into a new neighborhood without hiking up the cost of living? Corktown is about to find out.   READ MORE   CB2 brings back pieces by ‘Mad Men’-era designer Paul McCobb Paul McCobb shaped the modern American aesthetic. For the first time in 50 years, his work will be mass-produced in the U.S.—and the pieces are surprisingly affordable.   READ MORE   ‘Goodnight Moon’ isn’t just a children’s book. It’s now an interior design style Good night chair, good night room, good night maximalist point of view.   READ MORE

The hidden beauty of Europe’s super-efficient recycling empire   Paul Bulteel visited more than 50 recycling plants to document the stunning size and efficiency of these little-seen worlds.   READ MORE       innovation by design Apply now for the 2021 Innovation by Design Awards The Innovation by Design Awards, now in their tenth year, honor the designers and businesses solving the problems of today and tomorrow. There are 37 categories, and the judges include renowned designers and business leaders from some of the most innovative companies in the world, as well as Fast Company’s own writers and editors.  APPLY NOW

Support strength in journalism Join Fast Company Premium for $1   You can update your details here. If you don’t want to receive Compass anymore, unsubscribe here. If you were forwarded Compass and like it, subscribe here. View this newsletter online. 7 World Trade Center, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10007-2195