By Blythe Copeland
Great Neck, NY, USA | Tue Jan 13 14:15:00 GMT 2009
The average American spends 7.6 hours a day working—if you are doing this at a desk, shouldn't you at least have a comfortable chair? All that time hunched over or slouched in front of a computer screen is bad for your back, your brain, your muscles, and—as a result—your productivity. So whether you are the decision-maker, can convince your boss to buy you a chair, or just have a home office, we've rounded up the best office chairs with lumbar support, spine reinforcement, and adjustable everything to keep you comfortable and focused no matter how long the deadline. Oh, and of course they're made from recycled and recyclable VOC-free materials, and guaranteed to last longer than your average build-it-yourself version.
Why We Like It: Herman Miller's Embody office chair is designed to adjust to your individual spine movements while keeping your lower back constantly supported. You're able to recline slightly, which keeps your head on the same level as your monitor—Plus we love the mod aesthetic and wide-range of textile options.
Eco-Factor: The entire Herman Miller company puts sustainability at the top of its priority list—goals include zero water use, air emissions, and landfill waste by 2020—and Embody fits right in. Nearly half the steel, plastic, aluminum, and foam used to make it are recycled, and the chair is also 95 percent recyclable at the end of its lifecycle (which the manufacturer guarantees won't be for at least 12 years). Plus, Greenguard indoor air quality certification is pending and MBDC Cradle to Cradle certification assures buyers that materials are environmentally safe and that the chair is made using only renewable energy.
Where: Herman Miller dealers
Price: from $1,500
Most Likely In The Office Of: the CEO of a successful environmental think tank.
Image courtesy of Herman Miller
Why We Like It: The minimalist design of Knoll's Life chair doesn't mean it's low on comfort: The ergonomic support system automatically adjusts to your weight, and the synchronized recline keeps you balanced as you lean back.
Eco-Factor: As much as 60 percent of the aluminum, plastic, and textiles used to make the SMaRT and Greenguard-certified chair are recycled, and production takes place in Knoll's Lubin building, where a portion of the electricity comes from wind power.
Where: Knoll dealers
Price: from $1,180
Most Likely In The Office Of: a trendy graphic design firm.
Image courtesy of Knoll
Why We Like It: The adjustable seat depth in Steelcase's Leap office chair lets users adjust for leg length, and glides forward when you lean towards your screen. Steelcase's trademarked LiveBack technology moves with your spine to prevent slumping—in one study by independent researcher Health and Work Outcomes, switching to Leap increased annual productivity by nearly 20 percent.
Eco-Factor: Steelcase has cut the energy used to make the chair by nearly 75 percent while trimming packaging and incorporating post-consumer fabric made from PET bottles into the back's cushioning. Steelcase sells individual replacement parts to extend the life of the chair, but the finished product—a combination of powder-coated steel, glass-reinforced nylon, and polypropylene—is still 98 percent recyclable and MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified.
Where: Steelcase
Price: $850
Most Likely In The Office Of: Boeing, Daimler-Chrysler, or Seventh Generation (they're all Steelcase clients).
Image courtesy of Courtesy of Steelcase
Why We Like It: The classically styled Trophy chair is equally at home dressing up an entry-level cubicle or behind the CEO's desk, and the contoured back, extendable arms, and adjustable back make late nights in either office more comfortable.
Eco-Factor: Trophy is Greenguard-certified, and textile options include those made with recycled fibers and metal-free processing. All paint used is VOC-free. Currently, the company is trying to reduce packaging and some items are shipped wrapped in reusable blankets.
Where: Zoom Seating dealers
Price: from $569
Most Likely In The Office Of: a self-employed (and budget-conscious) writer.
Image courtesy of Zoom Seating
Why We Like It: The AirCentric Synchro Glide counteracts stuffy office environments with innovative breathable fabric that keeps the user cool and comfortable. A soy-based foam provides a comfortable seat and back and recyclable plastic adjustable headrests, arms, lumbar support, and back height make the chair a perfect fit no matter your height.
Eco-Factor: Like all of ErgoCentric's seating, this Greenguard certified chair is made to order (reducing waste) and upholstered with water-based glue.
Where: ErgoCentric dealers
Price: from $800
Most Likely In The Office Of: the general manager of an eco-savvy sports team.
Image courtesy of ergoCentric Seating System
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