There is a lot of focus on indoor air quality these days and greening everything from fixtures to finishes to furnishings. The same principles of eco-conscious, socially responsible and non-toxic content can be applied to outdoor furniture as well. Beautiful designs, healthy materials and sustainability are all qualities that can be found in accessories for the patio, porch or deck.

Outdoor furniture is different from interior furnishings because it has to stand up to the elements. There are plenty of green choices that are durable enough to weather summer storms. Plastic lumber and wood-plastic composite are two materials that offer durability and sustainability when used for outdoor furniture.

Plastic lumber is made from recycled plastic, like yogurt containers, and made to look like wood. It’s highly impact resistant and durable. It won’t rot, fade or splinter. Products made from plastic lumber come in a wide variety of colors and are more appealing than plastic furniture because they resemble natural materials.

Wood-plastic products are similar but they are a mix of recycled plastic and wood fiber. They have a more natural appearance than plastic lumber products and are also highly durable, won’t rot or splinter.

If real wood furniture is most appealing there are several good options. First is to choose wood products that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. FSC oversees a “chain-of-custody” program that lets consumers follow a wood product from source to store shelf. FSC products come from forests that are sustainable, diverse, socially beneficial and economically viable. On my own patio, two beautiful wood folding chairs carry the FSC label.

If you choose wood furniture, keep in mind that some products contain pesticides or pollutants meant to prevent decay. Many manufacturers are using non- or low-toxic techniques to keep pests at bay and prolong the life of their product. Do some research and inquire about the manufacturing process. The less chemicals used to produce your wood furniture, the healthier it is for you and the environment.

Other options to green your outdoor furniture include fair trade products, products made from reclaimed or recycled materials and reuse. Fair trade is a great choice with environmental benefits. When communities have viable economic options, they are able to make sustainable environmental choices.

Outdoor furniture made from reclaimed or recycled materials help divert waste from landfills by prolonging a product’s useful lifespan. These products can be extremely creative and beautiful with aged qualities that bring warmth to outdoor spaces. The FSC chairs I own were reclaimed from curbside by yours truly, giving them a nice double environmental friendliness. And they are beautiful.