Wood Furniture: FSC Certified

By David Wortman

With a growing population and demand for wood and paper, deforestation continues at alarming rates. Almost half of the planet's original forests, an estimated 7.4 billion acres, have been cut down, and 39.5 million acres of forest vanish every year—reducing plant diversity and wildlife, causing desertification and water pollution and harming the livelihoods of indigenous peoples. 

Because trees store carbon, their loss contributes to global warming. "If consumers are looking to make a better choice, they should consider the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)," says Bill Mankin, Director of the Global Forest Policy Project. FSC has been certifying well-managed forest products since 1993. It requires protection of ecologically valuable forests, limits logging of old growth and sets standards for fair labor and protecting communities and cultures. FSC has accredited both Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) and the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance (RA) to certify that wood meets these standards and can bear the FSC's distinct logo. RA's "Rediscovered Wood" program also certifies salvaged or recycled wood.

In September 2003, Boise Cascade became the first large-scale wood and paper products company to embrace at least some FSC certification, announcing sweeping changes in company policy and winning praise from the Rainforest Action Network. Several specialty companies as well as home-furnishings giant Ikea offer wood furniture made from FSC-certified wood, from dining tables to office furniture. 

A handful of companies also make furniture from salvaged or recycled wood, or from recycled plastic, another forest-sparing alternative:

For FSC bedroom, dining room, living room and office furniture, try:

If you want one distinctive piece, try Berkeley Mills' popular cherry Lambda chair with a low- or no-VOC finish. ($1,600; www.berkeleymills.com, 877-426-4557).

The Joinery's Thomas chairs, made of FSC-certified cherry, are built to order. All finishes are low- or no-VOC, and all furniture can be purchased unfinished ($625; www.thejoinery.com, 503-788-8547).

The Wooden Duck makes a variety of items from recycled teak and Douglas fir, including their recycled fir Dory table ($1,450/7 ft.; www.thewoodenduck.com, 510-848-3575)

Beyond purely ecological concerns, wood furniture can pose human health risks when made with glues or finishes that pollute indoor air. Formaldehyde, a carcinogen, can offgas from some conventional pressed woods, particleboards and veneers. To this end, SCS also certifies wood furniture that is formaldehyde-free or uses recycled or reclaimed wood. For a complete listing of FSC-certified companies, see www.fsc-info.org.