Environment Furniture

Are you in the market for an eco-friendly sofa or side chair? If so, then you'll want to check out these ten companies leading the way in sustainable furnishings. From their use of FSC-certified wood frames, all-natural materials like wool and organic cotton, and non-toxic, formaldehyde-free stains and finishes, these companies aren't only better for you and the planet, but their sofas are darn stylish to boot.

1 Environment Furniture: Said to have "created functional pieces of art that are monuments to sustainable living," the materials used in Environment’s collections are either reclaimed, recycled or repurposed wood and canvas, or new wood from strictly managed certified forests.

2 Ekla Home: Ekla home furnishings adhere to strict environmental standards. As members of the Organic Trade Association, Sustainable Furniture Council and Co-Op America and certified by FSC, Oeko-tex, KRAV, SCS Gold, and GREENGUARD, all materials are organic, non-toxic, and fire retardant-free, and pieces are made with low-VOC finishes, reclaimed or FSC-certified wood.

3 Q Collection: Q Collection furniture is high-end eco. Their primary goal "is the elimination of toxic chemicals, carcinogens and the leading components of poor indoor air quality," so you won't find any polluting chemicals or wasteful materials in their products; rather, all of their furniture is completely free of the chemicals found in most wood, glues, and finishes, all the dyes used are non-toxic, and all the wood is FSC-certified.

4 Eco Balanza: Previously known as Greener Lifestyles, this Seattle-based manufacturer creates high-quality furniture with all non-toxic materials, including organic cotton and wool, renewable latex foam cushions, and 100% solvent-free, water-based glues.

5 Lee Industries: Exceptionally made, all of Lee sofas are made using FSC-certified wood for frames, water-based soy finishes, recycled filling for cushions, organic upholstery fabric, and hand-tied steel coil springs.

6 Robert Craymer (RC Green): The RCGreen furniture collection (available at retailers like Vivavi) is constructed with FSC-certified frames, recycled steel springs and screws, non-toxic and formaldehyde-free glues and stains, soy foam or latex cushions, and all-natural fabrics.

7 Cisco Home: Cisco Home began as a continuation of designer Cisco Pinedo's custom furniture business. (He was one of the first designers to create 100% FSC-certified sustainable upholstered furniture.) In 2005, he also created Inside Green at Cisco, which embraces the beauty of construction through the use of natural, pure materials, such as wool batting, hemp, jute, cotton, and FSC Certified and reclaimed hardwoods, creating elegant furniture that is both environmentally friendly and built to last.

8 Pure by Ami McKay: We love PURE's focus on sustainability and health, but we're convinced their pieces would appeal to non-greenies as well. The long list of environmental materials used include biodegradable, natural latex rubber, FSC certified hardwood frames, organic cotton batting, renewable jute and latex webbing, non-toxic adhesives, OEKO-tex certified wool fabrics with organic dyes, renewable and sustainable Kirei grass and wheat boards, and hemp and bamboo.

9 Viesso: All upholstered Viesso products including beds, sofas, and benches are made with natural elements like jute webbing and a cotton seat deck, instead of the usual synthetic counterparts. You can also choose how green your want your sofa, specifying at every step what kind of frame, filling, glue and stains you want used, and all-natural, non-toxic options are available.

10 Palacek: Palacek furniture pieces derive their wood largely from abundant, quickly renewable materials like rattan, abaca, and seagrass, with water-based finishes.

(Images: as linked. Originally published 2010-08-24)