Our Commitment to Sustainability

When it comes to working with materials sourced from the earth, one of the most dangerous phrases is:

“We’ve always done it this way.”

I deeply respect the traditions of guitar-making and the craftsmen who shaped this art form. For many, the iconic recipe for an acoustic guitar—ebony fretboards, Brazilian rosewood backs and sides, and mahogany necks—is the gold standard. But here’s the hard truth: these woods are endangered or critically threatened. Continuing to use them without question isn’t just unsustainable—it’s irresponsible.

Through countless hours of research, I’ve come to realize just how many prized tonewoods appear on the CITES and IUCN lists of threatened and critically endangered species. (For more information, I encourage you to explore this resource on endangered wood species.) If we don’t prioritize sustainable practices now, these remarkable trees—and the ecosystems they support—will disappear.

At Viridis Guitars, we believe the responsibility to protect our planet falls on all of us. That’s why our mission is to craft instruments that are not only beautiful, playable, and sonically exceptional but also built with the health of the environment in mind. Here’s how we do it:

• Sustainably Sourced Materials: We use only woods that are not listed on the CITES and IUCN endangered species lists.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Whenever possible, we replace plastic components with wood and other biodegradable alternatives. This includes building our own parts, winding our own pickups, and reducing single-use plastics in packaging and production.

• Low-Impact Finishes: We use finishes with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to minimize chemical emissions.

• Continuous Improvement: We are always exploring new ways to reduce waste, energy consumption, and our overall environmental footprint.

This ethos doesn’t just guide our business—it’s a call to action for the guitar-making community and beyond. Whether you’re a musician, a luthier, or simply a lover of music, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the CITES and IUCN lists. Together, we can support sustainable practices and protect the remarkable biodiversity of our planet.

At Viridis Guitars, we’re proving that sustainability and excellence can go hand in hand.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.