GREEN STARTER FURNITURE

by Jennifer Uscher
Green wood furniture can be dauntingly expensive, whether it’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as a product of well-managed forests, shaped from reclaimed materials or made with least-toxic finishes and glues. Happily, it is getting easier to find green tables, chairs and beds that meet at least one of these standards and are comparable in price to conventional furniture.


Crate & Barrel and Ikea recently introduced lines featuring recycled or renewable wood, and many online stores are selling pieces made from reclaimed or FSC-certified wood. Still others use non-toxic and/or sustainable materials, such as bamboo, a non-forest product. (See product listings, below.)

To get you started:

• Begin with a small piece, like a nightstand.

• Buy an item with one sustainable component like reclaimed wood but treated with a conventional stain and finish. These can be less expensive (and easier to find).

• Choose unfinished wood and finish yourself.

• Before buying uncertified recycled wood, always ask for assurances as to sources. Emily Jaklitsch, chain of custody associate for the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood program, notes that there are currently “a dozen or less” certified recycled-wood-furniture manufacturers.

Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability. Here are some beautiful, environmentally sound pieces for every room in your home:

Foyer

VivaTerra’s Wine Barrel Stave Bench (made from an old oak wine barrel) is the perfect place to sit while you pull on your shoes ($219; www.vivaterra.com, 800-233-6011).

Living Room

A well-designed, eco-friendly couch, Eli Sofa by Greener Lifestyles has an FSC-certified pine frame, a natural rubber latex seat and down-filled back cushions ($1,950). The clean lined Dora Chair has an FSC-certified pine frame with a natural rubber latex seat ($512). Both pieces can be upholstered in an organic cotton and hemp blend, sustainable wool, recycled polyester or conventional fibers (www.greenerlifestyles.com, 888-220-6020).
Taken from http://www.thegreenguide.com