Don't Sacrifice Style for Sustainability

by WiredBerries Editors — September 26, 2007

Think you can't afford environmentally friendly furniture on a limited budget? The Green Guide from National Geographic offers tips for finding affordable "starter" furniture that is 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:

• 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.

The article goes on to provide a list of beautiful, environmentally sound pieces for every room in your home. Time to upgrade from that ugly couch you've had since college.