Of course, you always want to deal with reputable timber companies who wouldn’t dream of importing illegally logged timber. Many timber suppliers will tell you, often in good faith, that their supplies are from ‘sustainable’ or ‘managed’ sources, or from plantations. However, without an independent certification system, in practice there is often no way of verifying this, or of demonstrating to your clients that you have met their expectations.
The earth’s atmosphere is not the only casualty of deforestation. 70% of the world’s plants and animals live in forests and are loosing their habitats to this destruction. This in turn has an adverse effect on local populations. Trees are also vital to the water cycle and in halting soil erosion.
Aiding local populations to gain socially and economically by preserving their forests instead of destroying them, is the task of international non-profit organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®). The FSC’s mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests, directly or indirectly addressing issues such as illegal logging, deforestation and global warming, and with positive effects on economic development, environmental conservation, poverty alleviation and social and political empowerment.
Other international organisations you will find referenced on this website are the PEFC™ (Program of the endorsement of Forest Certification), who concentrate on ensuring that certification is accessible even to small and family owned forests. The Cradle to Cradle Products innovation institute (administrator for the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program) which addresses issues from a different angle, educating and empowering manufacturers to become a positive force for society and the environment.
Opting to use more wood is undeniably good for both the individual and the environment. Just make sure that the wood you use is the right wood.
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