Find makers and suppliers of green, natural, eco furniture in Australia.

Modern furniture is often full of potentially toxic synthetic chemicals, such as fire retardants and stain resistant coatings to armchair and sofa covers. The polyurathane foam used in most lounge furniture is also a petrol-derived product. And the lightweight plywood and particle board used in cheap wardrobes and bedside tables usually contains formaldehyde, a possible carcinogen.

   Eco-friendly furniture minimises the use of chemicals by using natural materials such as solid wood, wicker, wool, natural latex rubber, organic cotton and hemp; and avoiding chemical coatings and treatments as much as possible. Alternative eco-friendly materials include recycled plastic.

   Eco-friendly furniture should also be long-lasting, and able to be recycled at the end of its lifetime.

   Any wood used should be from a sustainable source, not from old-growth forests or tropical rainforest.

   And don't overlook second-hand furniture; it avoids the environmental impact of making new pieces of furniture and older furniture generally has less chemicals.