Certified Wood and Environment


Much of the wood used in cabinets, doors, furniture and other home’s wood elements is harvested in an unsustainable way, contributing to the global forest destruction and to global warming and climate change.

But that isn’t a fatality. You may contribute to alter this situation, in a very simple and powerful way. Just buy wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). That seal (shown in the image) means that the wood carrying the seal has its origin in a forest that has been harvested in a responsible way. In fact, in order to achieve that certification, forest owners should adopt sound environmental practices: respect local ecosystems (native forest species, watersheds, soils…) and the sustainability of their forests, support fair labor practices, avoid the use of dangerous chemicals, etc.

 
The importance of forestry practices

Common forestry practices have negative environmental impacts: soil erosion, habitat destruction, water pollution, air pollution, stream sedimentation… The FSC demands are a powerful leap to the viability of our forests.  They contribute to save endangered forests and to encourage an efficient use of wood in a world where the consumptions of forest products is increasing exponentially.

FCS certified wood cost

The prices of FSC-certified wood products are very similar to non-certified products, but in many situations slightly higher than the non-certified woods, due to sustainable practices costs.

Where to find wood products certified by the FSC 

Major retailers as Home Depot, IKEA or Lowe’s are commercializing some product lines of FSC certified wood. Some big and small manufacturers also have their wood products certified.

See:
Cabinet Manufacturers
How to buy custom and stock cabinets
Cabinets and Environment

 

Back to top Certified Wood FSC
Return to Energy-Savings Home Page