The Environmental Investigation Agency takes a "cradle-to-grave" approach to exposing environmental issues; they are a good resource if you know what country the material you are specifying comes from. Their campaigns fall under three categories: endangered species, deforestation and climate change. The EIA is responsible for the exposal of both Walmart and Lumber Liquidators for importing illegally logged woods from Russia through China. Here are links to some of their excellent publications and videos:
How Illegal Russian Oak Becomes Hardwood Flooring in the USA
The Dirty Dozen: How your local supermarket is killing the environment
The Natural Resources Defense Council's mission is to "safeguard the earth--its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends." They have a page devoted to documents and research into international environmental issues. In addition to their reports, they provide resources for further research into issues with a list of additional environmental groups, with links to their websites. Here are some examples of NRDC reports:
Home Idle Load: Devices wasting huge amounts of electricity when not in active use
Know the Forests and the Trees: A Consumer's Guide to Buying Wood
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