When is wood actually sustainable?
Not everything made from wood is made from sustainable wood. You will find out what to consider and what differences there are.
SUSTAINABILITYWOOD
2 min read
What makes wood sustainable?
In order to use the resource wood sustainably, the associated forestry must also be sustainable. This means the following:
- The amount of wood felled in a given area must not exceed its annual increment in order to ensure the preservation of the forest area.
- The preservation of biodiversity must be ensured and thus the protection of animals and plants.
- Protected forest areas are not cleared for timber production.
Renewable wooden resources
Most people will probably think of bamboo, but botanically speaking, bamboo is not wood but a grass. A major advantage, apart from its growth, is its ability to regenerate. Unlike wood, which has to be felled and then replanted, bamboo can grow back even if it has been cut.
When is a wooden product sustainable?
The choice of the wood type is not the only thing to consider. Another important point is the quality. The cheap pieces of furniture available in large furniture stores we all know, which can hardly be assembled and disassembled once without damaging them, are not exactly something that can be sustainable. The longevity of a wooden product is therefore directly linked to its sustainability.
How can I tell if a wooden product is green?
Unfortunately, it is usually difficult to tell whether a product made from wood has been manufactured sustainably. However, there are various labels that provide information on whether a piece of furniture is green.
I would like to introduce you to two of these labels below:
FSC
This abbreviation stands for “Forest Stewardship Council” and is an international non-profit organization. If you see this label, it means that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
Blue Angel
This German eco-label is awarded for environmentally friendly products and services. The special feature here is that the entire life cycle of a product is taken into account.
If you are interested in this topic, it is really worth your time taking a look at their website. There you can easily search for the products you want and quickly find a green product without much effort.
What products can actually be made from trees?
Apart from the furniture that everyone has at home, other products made from trees can also be sustainable. Most of us are probably not even aware of all the things that can be made from trees. Here is a small overview of the everyday products that can be made from trees.
Some leaves are even suitable for consumption. Lime is suitable because of its mild taste. However, anyone who cannot clearly define tree species should keep their hands off it.
Viscose (chemically produced fibers from plant material)
Clothes
Tree bark
Wine corks
Bark mulch
Cosmetic products
Wood
Furniture
Building materials
Building components (stairs, floors, doors, etc.)
Resin
Glue
Essential oils
Soap
Latex (natural rubber obtained from the milky sap of a tree)
Clothing
Tires
Shoe soles
Leaves
Wax
Cosmetic products