Prompted by a recent bout with back pain, (thank you, bad golf swing) I went in search of an ergonomically- and sustainably-designed office chair, and dug up a few smartly executed seating options that are adjustable, good-looking and easy on the environment.

With a high recommendation from light house, a non-profit green building org, based in British Columbia, is Teknion’s “Contessa” chair, (pictured above) which has some very appealing attributes:

• 85% recyclable
• GREENGUARD certified for Indoor Air Quality
• Modular design allows replacement of parts — extending the chair’s life cycle.

more Contessa chair info @ sustainablebuildingcentre.com

(As an aside, Vancouver-based Light House offers a series of Green Building 101 workshops; the next is scheduled for Saturday, July 28; 10a-12n, $26. Click here for more details about this summer series.)

Another couple of green office chair contenders are Think, and Leap by Steelcase. Both styles receive high marks on the recyclable scale and comfort meter, and are GREENGUARD certified as well. Rest assured, with either of these chairs, you’d get a seriously sustainable seat, as both are Cradle to Cradle certified Silver.

Leap options range from $799 – $2399

Think ranges from $649 – $959. I would think before I leap.

Store Locator. If there isn’t a dealer near you, Steelcase offers free, 2-day shipping via FedEx.

Previously (4.16.07) on AltCon, Think green chair by Steelcase.