Materials used for cabinets and work surfaces were carefully selected to be environmentally-friendly. Cabinets found in WRI's kitchens and workrooms are made of biofiber composite materials instead of conventional plastic laminate. Biofiber materials are formaldehyde-free, use no solvents, and release no hazardous volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.

Haworth's office workstation surfaces are made from medium density fiberboard.

The ecocolors wheatboard, by Architectural Forest Enterprises, is similar to that used for doors. Ecocolors panels are made from agricultural straw waste, which would otherwise be burned or plowed under. To cure the finish, panels pass under ultraviolet (UV) lights, a process that creates a hard, durable surface but releases virtually no solvents into the air and produces almost no waste materials.

Some work surfaces use a solid formaldehyde-free biocomposites from Phenix Biocomposites, inc. Phenix creates a material called "Environ" -- made from soybeans and recycled newspaper. The material is one and one-half times harder than oak, but can be cut, milled, routed, drilled, fastened and finished just like wood.

The formaldehyde-free "Dakota Burl" countertops, also by Phenix, are made from compressed sunflower seeds. Both biocomposites are sealed with clear zero-volatile organic compound (VOC) finish of polymerized linseed oil.

The linoleum countertops in the lunchroom and coffee bar, from DLW-Gerbert, Ltd., Are made of natural, renewable, non-toxic materials -- linseed oil, wood flour, cork flour, natural rosins, limestone, with a biodegradable jute backing.

Environmental products and services: Sources and contributors

An asterisk indicates suppliers who contributed products or services.

* Architectural Forest Enterprises

Wheatboard and maple veneer doors, wheatboard for millwork

3775 Bayshore Boulevard, Brisbane, CA 94005 (415/467-4800)

* Haworth, Inc.

Office furniture

One Haworth Center, Holland, MI 49423 (616/393-3000)

* Phenix Biocomposites, Inc.

Architectural woodwork

P.O. Box 609, Mankato, MN 56002-0609 (800/324-8187)