Ideal Bite

Wanna deck your patio out for spring?

03.23.2007

Submitted by idealbite on Fri, 03/23/2007 - 2:01am.

The Bite:

Pick lawn and patio furniture made from sustainable materials like recycled aluminum or responsibly harvested teak. They'll have to do for now, as we're still tracking down recycled plastic pink flamingoes...

The Benefits:

Lookin' good. Just because it's eco doesn't mean it has to look like repurposed firewood.
Far fewer raw materials are used to produce recycled outdoor furniture.
Long lasting. Hardwoods from well-managed forests practically last forever, so you'll never need to replace 'em. Look for the Forest Stewardship Council seal if opting for new wood furniture.

Personally Speaking:

We all know about Jen's crush on Paul Hawken. Well, the fact that the guy started Smith & Hawken - a company in the biz of making beautiful eco-teak furniture - just compounds matters.

Wanna Try:

Smith & Hawken Ainsley Collection - S&H's beautiful, responsibly harvested teak line ($69-$699).
American Eco-Teak - heirloom-quality sustainable teak furniture ($70-$4,320).
Bistro Table and Chairs - made from recycled wrought iron ($279).
Naturally Durable - affordable hardwood collection made with teak and South American roble wood ($100-$253).
Abundant Earth Adirondack Chair - made from recycled plastic "lumber" ($249).
Wine Barrel Stave Chair - made from recycled oak wine barrels ($149-$269).
Ikea Tullero Collection - get inexpensive, sustainable patio furniture from the Swedish giant ($139).
Recycled Aluminum Beach Chair - 98% recycled and great on sand or turf ($40).
Ideal Bite's Solar Patio Tip - light up your outdoor life.