Environmental impact

HomeEnvironmental impact

At UPLIFT Desk, we’re committed to building products that support a healthier planet. We choose sustainable materials, power our operations with renewable energy, and design for longevity to reduce waste. For every solid wood desktop we sell, we plant trees to give back more than we take. Our goal is to create workspaces that not only improve lives today but help protect the environment for future generations.

Rooted in sustainability

Build your workspace, grow a forest

UPLIFT Desk is committed to sustainability and reducing environmental impact—principles that are at the heart of our mission. Through our partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), we plant five trees in U.S. National Forests for every solid wood desktop sold. This initiative supports reforestation efforts that enhance forest health, protect wildlife habitats, and promote cleaner air and water.

To date, we have planted over 405,000 trees, contributing to the restoration of vital ecosystems and helping to offset our environmental impact

Join us in making a difference. Explore our collection of solid wood desks and be a part of our commitment to a greener future.

Shop Solid Wood Desktops >

National Forest Foundation logo

Renewable energy

UPLIFT solar-powered operations

All UPLIFT desk Austin operations run on solar energy, including the electric forklifts in our warehouses. With over 1,500 roof-mounted solar panels installed by Holt Renewables, our facilities generate more than 1 million watts of electricity each year—enough to power 150 homes. Even better? We produce a net positive amount of electricity, feeding clean energy back into the grid.

Our commitment extends beyond operations: UPLIFT employees have access to 12 free EV charging stations on-site, further supporting sustainable commuting.

We believe in investing in solar energy to offset our environmental impact and reduce our carbon footprint. We believe in solar so much that we signed our name on it. Check out the Easter egg in our solar panels atop our largest warehouse at 1848 Ferguson Ln, Austin, TX on Google Maps satellite view. 

Shop Eco-Efficient LED Lighting >

An aerial view of a solar-powered UPLIFT Desk warehouse schematic
An aerial view of a solar-powered UPLIFT Desk warehouse

"...large pieces of furniture like desks should be designed and guaranteed to not be discarded every few years."

Jon Paulsen

Founder & CEO

Sustainable desktops

Bamboo

Moso bamboo is one of the fastest-growing, most renewable resources on the planet—and one of our most popular desktop materials. It grows up to 24 inches per day, needs minimal water, and regrows without replanting.

Why buy bamboo?

  • Sustainably grown - low water use, rapid regrowth, and minimal environmental impact

  • Low carbon footprint - absorbs CO₂, produces oxygen, and avoids soil erosion

  • Durable & beautiful - 40% harder than oak, scratch-resistant, and finished with a non-toxic UV-cured coating

  • Scratch resistant - bamboo reeds are pressed, cut, sorted by color, assembled, & coated with a durable, UV-cured clear coat for a strong finish free of harmful chemicals

  • Easy to maintain - just soap and water—no harsh chemicals required

Explore our collection of desks and accessories made from this beautiful, eco-friendly material.

Shop Our Bamboo Collection >

An overhead of a bamboo desktop

Fun fact: Despite its woody appearance, bamboo is actually a grass, not a tree! It belongs to the Poaceae family, which includes other grasses like wheat, rice, and corn.

Eco Curve

The Eco Curve is where comfort, performance, and sustainability meet.

How the Eco Curve helps the planet 

  • 100% recycled top - locally sourced, 1" thick high-grade MDF created from 100% recycled materials

  • Zero harmful chemical - formaldehyde-free, zero VOCs, zero HAPs, and CARB-2 compliant

  • Long-lasting finish - infrared-cured epoxy is stain- and blister-resistant, reducing the need for chemical cleaners

  • Durable & long-lasting - finished with an infra-red cured epoxy powder-coat for a tough finish that lasts a lifetime

Certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), the Eco Curve combines ergonomic design with one of the lowest environmental footprints in the industry.

Learn more about our Eco Curve Desktops here >

Shop 2-Leg Eco Curve >

Shop Eco Corner Desk >

An overhead of an Eco Curve desktop in black

Rubberwood

Strong, sustainable, and surprisingly stylish—rubberwood (also called Hevea, Parawood, or Malaysian Oak) is a responsible choice that gives trees a second life.

How rubberwood helps the Earth bounce back

  • Responsibly repurposed - harvested after their latex-producing years, rubber trees are transformed into durable lumber instead of discarded

  • Tough & timeless - dense grain, smooth texture, and available in natural or dark finishes

  • Built to last - like all UPLIFT products, this solid wood is designed to stand the test of time

  • Low-maintenance - requires less upkeep than traditional hardwoods, reducing chemical use

  • Budget-friendly - eco-conscious quality without the premium price tag

Available in natural and dark-stains, explore how this gorgeous, guilt-free option can elevate your space and help save the planet.

Shop 2-Leg Rubberwood >

Shop 4-Leg Rubberwood >

An overhead of a Rubberwood desktop

Eco Tip: Want to upgrade your current UPLIFT desktop but don't know what to do with the old one?
Repurpose the original top as a stylish coffee table with Slimline legs.

The UPLIFT impact

A better workspace. A better planet.

At UPLIFT Desk, our values are reflected in the tangible impact we make on the environment. We believe that building a better workspace is inseparable from building a better world—and that belief drives every decision we make, from the sustainable materials we choose to the renewable energy that powers our operations.

We’ve planted hundreds of thousands of trees, transitioned to solar-powered facilities, and developed products that are built to last—not to be replaced.  Our impact is ongoing, and it’s growing. But more importantly, it’s intentional. Because true sustainability starts with a clear set of values—and the willingness to live by them.