| nly is green office durable and attractive, one who | | | | from two to five times the concentration of pollutants |
| buys this type of furniture is doing their part to protect | | | | than outdoor air. Using green furniture can alleviate this |
| the environment. So, what is green office furniture? | | | | indoor pollution. Some symptoms that have been |
| This kind of furniture is functional furniture made from | | | | observed in people working in unhealthy offices include |
| refurbished or recycled material, or products that do | | | | irritability, drowsiness, increased sensitivity to chemicals, |
| not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or are | | | | irritation of the eyes and nasal passages, dry skin, and |
| certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. | | | | difficulty concentrating. None of these symptoms help |
| The wood used in green office furniture has been | | | | to make a productive workplace. They can lead to |
| screened to ensure that it has been harvested using | | | | increased sick time and chronic illness. |
| sustainable practices. That is, the particular wood is | | | | Audubon House in New York performed a total retrofit |
| quickly renewable, or that the logging technique is | | | | of its offices a few years ago, using only green |
| respectful of the environment, and that the lumber | | | | products. Employees there now are so comfortable |
| companies have sustainability policies in place. | | | | that they arrive at work earlier, and often stay later. |
| Greenguard is an organization that also evaluates the | | | | They are also keeping their desks neater. |
| furniture in terms of indoor air quality. | | | | Employees will find that they are not only more |
| The materials that stand up to this scrutiny are not only | | | | comfortable without the off-gassing from traditional |
| wood, but aluminum and steel used for the frames of | | | | office furnishings, but can take some pride in working |
| furniture and other office pieces such as file cabinets | | | | for a company that is environmentally conscious |
| and desks. Methods of recovering and reusing these | | | | – a good corporate citizen. Because consumers |
| metals have improved as demand for recyclables has | | | | are becoming more aware of the steps we can all |
| increased. Fabrics may in fact be recycled soda or | | | | take to conserve and protect the planet’s |
| water bottles. | | | | resources, it is encouraging to know that one’s |
| The first benefit is cleaner air in the office, whether | | | | employer is also taking steps to go green. |
| you work from home or another location. VOCs are | | | | Going green using office furniture means buying used |
| compounds that vaporize into the air under ordinary | | | | furniture, or new furniture that has been manufactured |
| circumstances. These are compounds that result from | | | | with sustainability in mind. The green initiative often |
| the treatment and manufacturing process of many | | | | includes more efficient use of office equipment, more |
| modern products. Wood preservatives are one source | | | | concern about recycling in the office, and purchasing |
| of VOCs in the home or office. | | | | decisions for office supplies and cleaning products. All |
| Other VOCs arise from carpets, upholstery, paints, | | | | of these green activities involve everyone in the |
| stains and cleaning products. These substances are | | | | organization and create a more productive working |
| harmful to one’s health. It has been estimated | | | | team. |
| that the air inside a home or office building contains | | | | |
