Earth Saving Tips - Good Wood
Courtesy of Earth Share of Washington member, Union of Concerned Scientists
In a very real sense, the health of our planet depends on the health of our forests. Not only are they home to more than half of all land-based species, they also help to preserve the climate and purify the air.
So, it's a matter of some urgency that we've destroyed a substantial portion of the world's forests--and continue to eat up more than 30 million acres a year.
But is there anything that you, as an individual, can do, besides recycling your paper? Yes! Insist on responsible wood supplies when you buy furniture, renovate or build. While you may not engage in these activities often, you consume large amounts of wood when you do, so your choice of wood is important. Look for:
- Certified wood from forests that are managed in a sustainable manner and certified as such by an independent third party. The best form of certification comes from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), since it tracks wood products from the forest floor to the store shelf though a process known as "chain of custody" monitoring.
- Reclaimed or salvaged wood from old buildings, fallen trees or demolition landfills. The quality and beauty of this wood is often far greater than that of wood cut from the same species of tree today—and the purchase of it won't bring down a single tree.
- Engineered wood products made from small, easily renewable trees, scrap wood and sawdust. While these materials do not have the same aesthetic appeal as sawn wood, they often have superior strength and can be put to many behind-the-scenes uses.
Contrary to expectations, these products are not that hard to find. More and more stores carry them--even your local Home Depot. Just be sure to ask!For more information, please check out the following references:
SUSTAINABLE WOODS FOR THE NEW MILLENIUM
www.isdesignet.com/Magazine/June'00/wood.html
SMARTWOOD: PRACTICAL CONSERVATION THROUGH CERTIFIED FORESTRY
http://www.smartwood.org