You’ve traded your SUV for a hybrid, started composting and invested in some re-usable shopping bags.  But what about your furniture?  For the truly eco-conscious, green furniture is the only way to go.  Luckily, there are many, many ways to go green, beginning with your choice of wood.  Certified sustainable wood comes from trees that are sustainably harvested, while other furniture is made with restored wood that was harvested previously for another purpose.  Bamboo can look like wood, but it is actually a grass and totally sustainable.   

If natural materials aren’t your thing, fear not.  Thanks to the eco-revolution, recycled plastics and metals are now finding new life as pieces of furniture – from expensive, signature pieces to more affordable options.   Another planet-friendly option is buying vintage, or pre-loved furniture.  Since it requires no additional effort or materials to manufacture, this ultimate form of recycling is also the most eco-friendly way to go.   And finally, when you get rid of your old furniture, make sure you don’t send it to the landfill.  Refurbish it, sell it, donate it, or just put it on the curbside with a “free” sign on it.  Its new owner – and the planet – will thank you for it.