While not the most commercially appealing of names, rubberwood is a high quality timber product that can be sustainably harvested. Previously discarded or burned, the versatile wood is now becoming sought after by the furniture making and construction industry.

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) are commonly used as flame retardants in a wide variety of consumer goods - the problem is, they don't stay where they are meant to. Levels of PBDE's have been building up in the environment since the 1970's.

Heating water for the home is a real energy sucker. Perhaps a water heater blanket might save you a few bucks on electricity or gas bills - and your dollar saving will be a saving for the environment too.

Furniture may have dropped in price in recent years, but the environment has paid dearly for it in terms of deforestation. Modern furniture may also contain highly toxic substances; poisonous to us and the planet.