Notions of sustainability and “green” building materials are often used in today’s business world as just another marketing technique. With so many options and variables to consider, the prospect of meaningfully addressing the environment in our consumer decisions can be quite daunting. Still, I think it is important to take the environmental impact of our work into consideration, and make it part of the process.

The most direct way to acknowledge the issue of sustainability is to use native species. In the northeast alone, we have a host of excellent woods to choose from. Use of these species addresses the issues of responsible timbering, and the “embodied energy” of long distance shipping. I strongly recommend that clients consider these readily available options first.

If more exotic species are desired, they can certainly be obtained. In these instances, every effort can be made to find your species through the Forest Stewardship Council’s certification program.

I also recommend the use of low-VOC finishes whenever practical. Some of these include water-based polyurethanes, linseed oil varnish, or shellac. There are many attractive, durable options available in a full range of sheens.