FAQ: What is Sustainable Wood?

Sustainable wood comes from trees that have been harvested in ways that do not adversely affect the ecosystem of the forest and that do not deplete natural resources.

What is Considered Sustainable Wood?

Sustainable wood is any wood that comes from trees that are managed according to stringent guidelines for healthy forest management, including responsible harvesting practices and only using easily renewable wood sources. Sustainable forests require the use of more acreage with less yield than traditional harvesting practices, but result in a healthy forest ecosystem and a timber source that will remain productive indefinitely. In most certified forests the harvesting of "old growth" trees is restricted or prohibited. The guidelines for certifying sustainable wood come from the FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council, which monitors the harvesting and forestry practices to ensure that ecologically friendly practices are being used. In addition, the FSC certification assures consumers that the wood was not harvested illegally and did not come from forest land that has been converted into a controlled operation or where genetically modified trees are used for re-planting.

What is Renewable Wood?

Renewable wood is any wood that comes from easily renewable sources. For the most part, this describes fast-growing trees but excludes old growth trees that can not be easily replaced in the ecosystem. Renewable wood excludes some types of rare hardwoods that may have a severely limited growing range and declining habitat. Additionally, reclaimed or rediscovered wood is often classed amongst renewable wood sources; this is wood that has been taken from dilapidated buildings marked for demolition or other sources such as trees on personal property that have to be cut down, the wood is generally used either for wood-containing products or for fuel.

Where Will I Find FSC-Certified Wood Products?

By purchasing wood or wood products with FSC certification you can rest assured that all possible precautions were made to prevent adverse affects on the environment when that wood was harvested and you can be sure that it wasn't harvested illegally or the result of clear-cutting. Most manufactured wood products don't display the FSC logo, but a rising number of retailers are carrying products produced from such wood to make it available to anyone who asks for it. In addition, certified wood is often used for organic furniture including dining tables, cribs and chairs. Organic furniture is crafted of sustainable, renewable wood and has not been treated with any potentially harmful chemicals such as varnish or color treatments. By purchasing sustainable wood products you're helping to promote proper management that helps prevent soil erosion and keeps the forests healthy. Do you think sustainable wood is a worthwhile option?