| What makes eco furniture eco-friendly? It seems | | | | being sustainably harvested. |
| every furniture company is now touting their | | | | 3. Is the furniture free of toxic chemicals, dyes, |
| furniture as green, earth-friendly or sustainable but | | | | stains, glues, formaldehydes, finishes and resins? This |
| what does that really mean? How does a consumer | | | | is not only an indoor air health issue, but an |
| make intelligent and conscientious choices when | | | | environmental issue as well. Look for natural solid |
| shopping for green furniture? | | | | wood furniture, with natural, non-toxic finishes and |
| Here's a list of the Top Five Questions to ask your | | | | adhesives that do not off-gas. At a minimum, smell |
| furniture salesperson to see if their wood furniture is | | | | your furniture before buying it! |
| indeed eco-friendly: | | | | 4. Is the furniture made in the USA? American made |
| 1. Is the furniture made of all natural solid wood? Are | | | | furniture is built to higher standards than most |
| any components of the furniture made with plywood | | | | imports which are produced cheaply in sweatshops in |
| or particle board? Solid wood furniture will endure, | | | | China and VietNam. And since you are closer to US |
| often for generations, whereas particle board | | | | manufacturers, you have a much better chance of |
| furniture will likely be out on the curbside in 5 years | | | | getting them to resolve any potential problems, |
| or less. | | | | should they arise down the road. |
| 2. Where did the wood in my furniture originate? | | | | 5. Is the furniture backed by a lifetime guarantee? |
| Was it grown in a sustainably managed forest, or | | | | You thought nothing was backed by a lifetime |
| was it harvested perhaps illegally in third world | | | | guarantee these days, didn't you? Believe it or not, |
| countries where the world's rainforests are rapidly | | | | many small furniture makers build their wood furniture |
| disappearing? Local woods that tend to be | | | | to last a lifetime and they happily back it with a |
| sustainably harvested in the USA include cherry, | | | | lifetime guarantee. It's a valuable feature that could |
| maple, oak and walnut. If you're looking at furniture | | | | save you many thousands of dollars in replacement |
| made out of tropical and/or exotic woods, like | | | | costs over the years. |
| mahogany, teak or rosewood however, chances are | | | | Asking a few questions about the nature of the eco |
| quite good that they were illegally harvested from | | | | friendly furniture you're purchasing will help you select |
| endangered rainforest habitats and brought to the | | | | truly sustainable items that will not jeopardize your |
| USA with counterfeit documentation. Check with the | | | | family's health and will be heirlooms you'll be proud to |
| furniture seller to be sure they know where the | | | | own and enjoy for many years. Isn't it worth the |
| wood came from and whether or not it is certified as | | | | asking a few questions? |