Protect your furniture, your health, and the environment.

We do not use MDF in the cabinets that we build.

MDF(medium density fibreboard) can contain urea-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde, which off-gasses into interior air. The health impacts of formaldehyde has prompted many consumers to specify solid timber only......there are low-emission fibreboards one can use, most of these are bound with phenol-formaldehyde, which does not off-gas as much formaldehyde but why take the risk! to save a few pounds?

The main problem is the formaldehyde in the glue which can seep out for up to three years after manufacture this can affect the skin leading to dermatitis, also the repiratory system causing Asthma and Rhinitis plus increase the risk of nasal cancer, Nice.

All of our Furniture is sourced from sustainable forests and has the correct certification. Where possible we try to use British companies to supply us, not cheaper imported finishes and components.

Do not 'dry-dust' and only use natural polishes

Dry-dusting is harmful as particles, including allergens like dried human skin, dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores that can trigger allergies are put back into the air in your room.

Almost all commercially available furniture polishes contain neurotoxic petroleum-based solvents. Neurotoxic chemicals can cause headaches, lack of concentration, irritability, and more (sound familiar???), these are best avoided and substitutes used.

Use either a  beeswax, try to find a natural polish from a local health food shop or make your own from olive oil or jojoba, beeswax and carnauba or White vinegar and lemon juice - just search on yahoo for a whole list of recipes, ideas, and suppliers.

Recipes from Greanpeace:

Polishes
Most store-bought polishes contain solvents harmful to the environment. Aresol sprays are wasteful and also contain harmful gases.

Furniture Polish: Dissolve 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon oil in 1 cup (250 ml) vegetable oil. Apply with a clean dry rag.
Floor Polish: Melt 1/8 cup (30 ml) paraffin wax in a double boiler. Add 1 quart/litre mineral oil and a few drops of lemon oil. Apply with a rag, allow to dry and polish.

Polishing Metals

Copper: Try lemon juice and a little salt or hot vinegar and a little salt on a rag.
Chrome: Try white flour on a dry rag.
Brass: Try equal parts salt and flour, with a little vinegar on a dry rag.
Silver: Bring to a boil in a large pan: 1 quart/litre water, 1 Tbsp (15 ml) salt, 1 Tbsp (15 ml) baking soda and a strip of aluminum foil. Drop in silver, boil for 3 minutes and polish with a soft cloth. Or polish with a paste of wood ash and water. Note: These methods should be done on sterling silver only and not on silver plate.

All-Purpose Cleaner
1/2 cup (125 ml) pure soap
1 gallon (4 litres) hot water
For a clean scent and to help cut grease add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of lemon juice.
This solution is safe for all surfaces, should be rinsed with water, and is very effective for most jobs. For a stronger cleaner, double the amounts of soap and lemon juice.

Air Fresheners
Commercial air fresheners work by masking smells and coating the nasal passages with chemicals which diminish the sense of smell by deadening the nerves. Avoid these products. Instead, try the all-natural air purifiers — house plants. Or try these natural recipes to diminish odour and add a fragrant smell to your house:

• Use baking soda in your garbage or refrigerator to help reduce odours at their source.
• Dissolve 1 tsp (5 ml) of baking soda in 2 cups (500 ml) of hot water, add 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray as you would an air freshener.
• Place a few slices of a citrus fruit, cloves or cinnamon in a pot with enough water to simmer gently for an hour or two


For more information on living Green, visit Greanpeace's website www.greanpeace.org.uk and do your bit for the environment.