As people are becoming more eco-conscious in many aspects of their lives, one place that has been affected is the office. Because so many people work in offices, the amount of office furniture and products that are made and purchased each year is truly astronomical. People are beginning to realize that every little bit counts and that includes looking into office furniture and products that are environmentally friendly.

Accessibility to these eco-friendly products has increased, especially since health facilities, government agencies, schools and corporations are asking for them. Although it has taken awhile for the “green” theory to become reality to many people, it is becoming more and more evident that definite changes need to take place. With office furniture alone, the glues, stains and polishes of manufacturing the furniture is anything but healthy for workers. This is in addition to the fact that when the furniture is discarded, the by-products are unable to be recycled and used again.

Choosing green office products requires having an idea of what you want. For example, there may be certain specifications that you are interested in and others that you are not. Because there are so many different ideas about what makes something ‘green,’ you need to decide exactly what you are looking for. It’s important to make sure that the products you purchase are actually environmentally friendly, because there are not many regulations yet on what it means to be ‘green’. People will be able to trust labels more, as specifications and regulations for ‘green’ become more regulated. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure that the ‘green’ label does indeed mean what it says.

Another concept that often goes with environmentally safe products is products that are safer for the body. Called ergonomics, these products reduce strain on the body by providing the support that is needed. In other words, computer ergonomics would apply to people who work at a computer all day, using their hands, arms and fingers most of the day. Many of these people continue to stress their muscles, with no relief. These ergonomic office equipment help workers by giving them the support they need to get their work done, and also be more productive because they are not hurting their bodies in the process.

Another popular eco-friendly idea is recycling. While many people recycle their paper, glass, and aluminum cans, not many stop to consider recycling their office furniture. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that businesses throw away about three million tons of furniture every year, paying disposal costs of about one hundred million dollars.

Using recycled office products can be done in many ways. One of these ways is to buy furniture that has been made from solid waste, rebuilt and put on the market to be sold to the public. Re-used, refurbished and re-manufactured products all fall within the category of recycled products. Re-used office furniture has been recycled and returned to the market to sell, without repairing or improving the furniture. Refurbished office furniture is recycled, “touched up” to improve the look, and then put back on the market. Re-manufactured office products are ones that have been disassembled completely, then inspected, cleaned, repaired, put back together and refinished. Only then will this “like new” product be put back on the market to sell.

Going green has never been easier. Rather it’s an ergonomic desk chair, paper products, or light bulbs, anything that we do to help make people and the environment healthier is worth the time and effort. As people begin to grasp the amazing, long lasting benefits of conserving energy and natural resources, it will become a way of life for everyone.