Sustainable Wood Furniture Made from Teak, Mango, Monkey Pod and Eucalyptus

What makes wooden furniture ‘sustainable’?  Wood might seem like an inherently eco-friendly material — as long as it’s solid and not particleboard or plywood, which can contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde.

But while wood is a natural product and requires less carbon emissions than plastics and other man-made materials, remember that not all lumber suppliers also re-plant the forests they harvest, but “clear cut” them, meaning simply that the forest is left destroyed.  So the trees that once harbored and helped sustain other wildlife leave a void in the local ecosystem.

“Sustainable” wood comes from trees that live (or, lived) in a sustainable forest — one where the trees cut down to produce lumber are replenished to minimize a negative environmental impact.  Most trees raised this way are fast-growing, too — some reaching full height in four to five years.  Teak, bamboo, and monkey pod, for example, are all durable woods that can be grown in an environmentally-friendly way.  Durability is an important factor where furniture is concerned, of course, since a long-lasting wood helps reduce waste!  Eco-conscious consumers should beware of oak, redwood, and beech woods.  Since these specimens can take over 30 years to mature, they are not generally harvested in an eco-friendly manner.

An organization called the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) provides third-party certification to foresters based on a set of rules — the most stringent in the business — regarding the way their wood is harvested.  Among other things, FSC-certified foresters must respect the rights of workers and indigenous peoples on the land, minimize the environmental impact of their logging efforts, and promote the restoration of natural forests.  Another group, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), offers another, yet less-strict, certification system.

 Furniture made from sustainable wood differs from other pieces in that it is commonly finished with natural oils, which are safer for home use than other, synthetic coatings.  Sustainable furniture is better for humans, and better for the environment!

1. Buddha Wall Panel

This panel is a great item to have in your home. It is a decorative piece that will add texture to your wall. It’s prominent enough to be eye catching but discrete enough to not take any attention from your other decorative pieces.

2. Wooden Twist Stools

These items are multi functional, they can be used as stools or as end tables. Either way they can instantly spice up your decor.  The organic wood adds a traditional element to your style while the design is highly modern.

3. Cube Wood End Table

If your style is more minimalistic, this piece is for you. It is made from sustainable wood, it is sturdy and unique. No two tables are ever the same, so when buying this you can be sure you are getting a one of a kind furniture piece.

4. Teak Towel Ladder

Everyone needs storage, but it is difficult to incorporate storage space to a modern design. The towel ladder allows you to store your hygiene products as well as towels, etc. You can have it all, furniture that looks like it is right out of a magazine and the always needed storage space.

5. Twisted Mango Wood Vase

This vase can be incorporated into your  by itself, but you can also put things inside, to show of your unique style. For example you might put some tree twigs, or dry flowers, etc.

There are different types of wood used to make sustainable furniture. Trees such as Monkey Pod, Teak, and Mango meet the criteria in order to be considered a sustainable material. These trees must have a fast regrowth rate, or be farmed, and replanted. Each type of wood produces high quality, long lasting furniture.

Teak wood is now being cut down in limited quantities in Thailand, since it is one of the most valuable exports. There are also two plantations where this tree is harvested.  And  efforts are being put forth to plant numerous new trees. You can buy furniture such as a spa stool, shelf and many other products are made from this type of wood.

Monkey Pod is most commonly regognized by it’s umbrella like shape. it grows in Fiji and Vanuatu, but it is not being utilized there. However in Thailand it is a favorable wood source. This tree is actually perfect for carving becuase of its large size. But it has to be cut down just as the order comes in, because the wood will dry out and could break if not used right away.

Many of us like mangoes but not everyone knows that the mango tree is a sustainable wood and is abundant in South East Asia. This wood is easy to carve and oil. It has became very popular for producing handicrafts.  Products such as wall panels. vases and others are made from Mango trees.

Furniture made from these types of wood is not only good quality, long lasting and unique but also safe for the environment. So next time you go out to buy a new piece of furniture make sure to look at what kind of wood it is made from.

What does the term sustainable furniture mean? It means that the furniture is made from materials that do not harm the environment. The trees that are used grow fast and are highly abundant. This prevents the cutting down of entire forests and enables them to regrow within a couple of years.  Cutting trees that grow slow have many negative effects on the planet, especially in the long run.

Once the wood is cut and carved, it is coated with natural oils. Most of the non-green furniture is sprayed with toxic oils that can have potentially harmful side effects to your health, and also to the environment. They evaporate into the air causing the ozone layer to weaken. Sustainable furniture is covered with oils that are safe for you and your home and the environment.

The furniture is also durable. Many people may not consider this a factor  in making the furniture sustainable, but it plays an important role. Since the wood pieces last a long time, it does not contribute to the endless landfills.

Materials used to make sustainable wood furniture are all eco friendly, from the wood to the non toxic finished paint and oils. So by buying green furniture you are saving your health as much as you are saving the planet.

Buying sustainable furniture is not only good for your health but also helps save the planet. You may ask yourself how exactly does buying sustainable furniture help the environment? 

First of all, sustainable furniture is made from trees that grow fast, for example bamboo.  Even if bamboo trees get cut down in large quantities within a couple of years they will grow back. Some other woods that are sustainable are mango, acacia, and maple.

The sustainable wood is transported in a way that is not harmful to the planet. Some wood might be carried through the rainforest by elephants that are well treated and cared for. Since the wood is not transported by cars  it eliminates carbon dioxide gases. Other  companies might use wood that is locally grown in order to reduce the transport distance.

The furniture is then finished with natural oils and not toxic paint. This way the air is cleaner from dangerous chemicals. The chemicals used in paint add to air pollution and  can deteriorate the ozone layer.

By buying sustainable furniture you are helping save our environement and you are getting a good product for your home.