BuyGreen: Desks and Workstations
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 03.14.08

The right desk is an essential part to any green workplace; it has a small footprint, so it doesn't take up too much space; its just the right size to allow you to spread out, without getting cluttered; and it has a place for everything you need, so you can stay organized. And, while the greenest desk is the one you already have, there may come a time where we all need to find a new place to put your laptop or desktop computer.
The desks you'll find here are all designed with the environment in mind, whether they employ responsibly-harvested wood, use non-toxic finishes that won't dirty your workspace's air, exercise really great design ideas that just use less stuff, or all of the above. Each is designed for longevity -- whether through super-sturdy materials or easily replaceable parts -- so it's likely that any on the list will be the last one you'll have to buy for a very, very long time. Hit the jump to get started...


















While TreeHugger knows that using what you've got 'til it's gone is the greenest way to go, but we all have to replace our old faithful with new favorites eventually. When that time comes, we want you to know some of the good green ways to go. On this list: dining tables.
Used as homework workstation, family gathering place and console for gourmet display and dinner parties galore, your dining table has to work hard, so having one that's durable, versatile and comfortable is important. Apartment dwellers might want to look for the smaller footprints, while families can use more surface area of larger models for more function. No matter what you need, watch out for formaldehyde, polyurethane and other toxic glues and finishes -- which you won't find on this list -- and keep your eyes peeled for wood from sustainable sources, and green alternatives to trees, like bamboo. Choosing a new dining table won't happen every day, so making it count and making it green are important; some of our favorites are below.
...
TreeHugger is quite aware that we as a society can't sit back and shop our way to global sustainability; while buying greener products is a step in the right direction, it's not a cure-all or a behavior to engage in blindly, while writing off our other various environmental missteps. Still, we all need stuff, and we all consume it every day. When those moments of necessary consumption arise, we want you to be ready to pull the trigger in the greenest way possible, without sacrificing your aesthetic needs.
Buying a sofa is not something each of us will do very often, so it's important to make the decision count. Be on the lookout for sustainably-sourced wood, green textiles, non-toxic finishes -- to help ward off indoor air pollution, the silent bane of many interior products -- and the sometimes under-appreciated facet of sustainable products: longevity. Our choices are built to last and designed to not fall out of style with any passing fad, so, should you buy one, you can keep your pick for many, many years and perhaps pass it along to another generation of TreeHuggers. Have a seat and prepare to get comfy, beneath the fold....
TreeHugger knows that unrestrained consumerism, no matter how green the product, is no way to achieve sustainability. Still, we all have to buy stuff, from time to time, so for when those times come around, we want you to know that there are lots of greener options available. Today, it's all about the ladies, as we take a closer look at casual shoes for women.
Ideal for trips to the farmer's market or to afternoon coffee, there's something on the list for just about everyone, from chic slip-ons to shoes with soul, they'll can help you maintain your aesthetic while treading lightly on the planet. Remember: if the color shone doesn't really light your fire, shoes are often available in several color options, so look around until you find something that fits you. Hit the jump to find your new favorite pair....
TreeHugger is the first to admit that we can't happily shop our way to global sustainability, but when your favorite pair of kicks finally wear through, you can't go shuffling around the streets with newspaper tied around your ankles. We all gotta have shoes, not just for working (that's another post) but for hanging out, weekends and casual affairs; this guide is designed to help you find a new favorite pair for around the house, happy hours and just kicking back and relaxing.
Here, you'll find shoes inspired by basketball and volleyball classics, some made for skateboarding (it's okay if you don't skate while your wear them, though) and a pair crafted from a whopping 99% recycled materials; in short, something for everyone, and not a stitch of hippie-wear in sight. Whatever you need "casual" for, you'll find something for every style and budget; hit the jump to get started....
[Ed. note: This is the second in our series of BuyGreen Guides, TreeHugger's helping hand for a quick, easy, hip way to shift your life in a greener direction today. Check out the
TreeHugger knows that we can't buy our way to global sustainability. While there are lots of things you can do to help save the planet that don't involve rushing out to grab the latest green products, we all still need to buy things. Sure, reusing, recycling and repurposing are all better eco-options than buying brand-new, but there comes a moment when your favorite shoes are finally worn beyond repair, or you need to upgrade your living room furniture, and we want to help. What you'll find here is a carefully-selected, curated list of five of the best eco-options available to you that combine TreeHugger's sleek, modern, non-hippie aesthetic with low-impact, earth-friendly designs and materials. They offer a quick, easy, hip way to shift your life in a greener direction today. Dig in!
Ah, blue jeans: the backbone to many a dude's casual wardrobe. While we all may use them for something slightly different -- for work, at play, lounging at home or out for a night on the town -- a good pair wears like iron and looks as good after 100 washes as it did right off the rack. Remember, many of these are made with organic cotton and earth-friendly dyes, so they may require a bit more special care than just chucking them in the wash with your socks and undies; many also have several washes and a variety of takes on the color "blue", so look around if you like the style but not the color. Whatever you wear them for, you can find a pair that fits your style and budget in the list below...read on....
