It's undeniable that we're well into a new era of eco-conscious living. More and more people throughout the world are making daily decisions, both big and small, based on a desire to help save the Earth. Our children are being taught from birth to make Earth-friendly decisions and those of us who weren't are making strides to change our ways. The higher demand by consumers for green products has translated into a marketplace where style, function and diverse selection now abound. One place where this is clearly evident is in the market for green furniture. This is a wonderful way that consumers can make a significant impact on our Earth with every purchase they make. So, what are some of the ways green furniture can help save the Earth? And are there additional benefits to buying recycled, eco-friendly furniture?

First of all, harvesting trees from rain forests and non-sustainable forests leads to deforestation, which means fewer trees left to produce oxygen, provide habitats for animals, and absorb carbon dioxide. Eco-friendly alternatives include harvesting wood from sustainably harvested forests and using recycled, re-purposed and/or reclaimed wood. Bamboo is another exceptional option. Although most bamboo typically comes from China and sustainable forests are growing worldwide, a great deal of green furniture and materials can be found and purchased locally. This reduces the need for transporting foreign materials, therefore further reducing your furniture's ultimate carbon footprint. Plus, buying locally means you're supporting the local economy and small craftspeople. An additional benefit to note is that furnishings made with exceptional craftsmanship and durable materials are often able to last generations as family heirlooms, which saves both money and the environment.

Of course, wood is not the only material to consider when discussing green furniture. Since metal and plastic are recyclable, they actually begin as green in a way, but become even more earth-friendly once they are re-used as base materials for new furniture and decor. The basic law of supply and demand ensures that the more recycled furniture and decor consumers purchase, the more that will be produced. And of course, in doing so, we reduce the load on landfills, which is a major cause of soil pollution.

We spend 90% of our time indoors, so you'll also want to take the fabrics, fillers and finishes of your furniture into consideration. Synthetic materials and substances can release toxic chemicals into the air, most commonly volatile organic compounds, or VOC's. VOC's have been linked to birth defects, hormonal disruption, brain development and cancer. Whenever possible, purchase furniture made with natural resources such as silk, organic cotton, rattan and sea grass. Avoid VOC's when possible and ask about natural replacements for foam and other synthetic fillers.

Worried that green furniture might not fit your personal style or the look you're hoping to achieve in your home or office? Take some time to consider the different characteristics that qualify a piece of furniture as green, or eco-friendly. From the most stylish modern decor to gorgeous vintage finds and everything in between, consumers have a myriad of styles from which to choose. No matter what room of the house, office or outdoor area you’re looking to furnish, there’s a stylish green alternative that will help save our beloved Planet Earth.

Here are 10 such furnishings:

Patchwood Headboard with Bed Frame by Margaret Taylor Prices vary based on reclaimed wood -Bed frame is handmade from reclaimed barn wood, molding from houses and beaded board -Handmade in Georgia -Patchwork quilt of interesting patterns and textures -Sturdy steel bed frame in choice of twin, full, queen or king -Available in your choice of color palettes: Classic, Harvest, Natural, Pastel or Whites -Materials: steel, reclaimed wood

Recycled Wine Barrel Side Cabinet $900 -Made from previously-used white oak full wine barrel that would otherwise be discarded after several years of use -Cabinet features an inner storage shelf, a removable maple serving tray and casters -Handmade in Georgia -Materials: reclaimed wood -Dimensions: 38" H X 26" Diameter

Fragment Dining Table by Structured Green $3195 -Combines the old with the new, utilizing FSC Certified walnut with a reclaimed pine inlay -Dimensions: 6 foot or 8 foot. 36" wide by 30" tall

Remnant Concrete Table (The Money Table) by Benjamin Rollins Caldwell Price varies by size -Made from salvaged concrete -Can be custom ordered in any size and come in various colors and qualities of concrete

Lights Up! Oscar Table Lamp $128 -41 gorgeous shade patterns in silk or linen fabric -6 base options -UL listed and takes A-bulbs (regular light bulbs) -Materials: Silk or linen shade. 8' Black cord with hi/lo cord switch. Bases are made of cast resin -Specs: 24h x 13dia (Inches) -Bulb: 100 watt max.

The Argington Bam Toddler Conversion Kit $99 -Conforms to and exceeds all regulations set forth by ASTM, CPSC, and Health Canada -All glues, stains and finishes are 100% non-toxic and low VOC -Wood is harvested from sustainably managed sources -E-ZERO, a global qualification that means there are 0% formaldehyde emissions -Available in Ebony or White

Buggy Wheel Coffee Table by Jay Goldsamt $510 -Made from a reclaimed Amish buggy wheel -Made of white pine wood -Each piece is unique and will vary -Tray top removable -Handmade by Mennonites in the USA -Materials: pine -Dimensions: approx. 19" H x 38" dia.

Large Recycled Tin Mirror by Lee Carter and Roberto Granados $180 -Handmade from recycled juice cans and excess tin -Crafted by artisans in Mexico under Fair Trade Principles -Due to the recycled nature of this product, each one will vary -Materials: glass, recycled tin -16" x 30"

Ottoman Tub $850 -Galvanized tub is re-purposed into a gorgeous ottoman -Polished stainless steel recessed base -Weight (kg): 41 -Dimensions (cm): 10.4 (w) x 7.9 (l) x 4.5 (h)

The Suitcase Chair by Katie Thompson $907 -Repurposed from an old, well-traveled metal trunk -2 seater sofa chair -Steel reinforced internal structure, perfectly finished paisley buttoned upholstery fabric, and bun feet -Weight (kg): 30 -Dimensions (cm): 101 (w) x 81 (l) x 97 (h)