Sustainable forest management: Why it matters on Arbor Day and every day
At Intectural, responsible resource management is an integral part of our business. That’s why we choose to distribute wood products from Arbor Wood Co.
The raw material from Arbor Wood is grown and harvested from sustainably managed regional forests in Minnesota and Wisconsin that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
What is the Forest Stewardship Council?
The Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC, is the gold standard of forest management.
Established in 1993, the FSC is an international, independent, member-led nonprofit that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. Its main responsibility is to set the certification standards for forests and companies.
The FSC label tells you that the trees that were harvested to create the product were replaced or allowed to regenerate naturally. You can think of it as the ‘organic’ label. FSC certification is a seal of approval – it tells consumers that the wood was harvested from forests managed under strict environmental, economic and social standards. It means the wood was harvested in a sustainable manner from a healthy forest – not clear cut from a tropical rainforest or the ancestral homelands of native people who rely on forests. It also means the forests are protected to preserve rare animals and plants. Read the principles that apply to FSC-certifed Forests on the FSC website.
Why is sustainable forest management important?
According to the FSC, deforestation and forest destruction is the second leading cause of carbon pollution, causing 20% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Some people feel the best way to prevent deforestation is to stop using forest products. But, this isn’t really realistic – people use forest products every day. For example, the average American uses nearly six trees worth of paper each year, according to the FSC. FSC helps create demand for products from responsibly managed forests – like Arbor Wood – to ensure forests are responsibly managed and protected for future generations.
We’re proud to distribute Arbor Wood and give people access to wood from sustainably managed forests. Plus, by harvesting the wood locally, we reduce our manufacturing carbon footprint. After the raw material is harvested from North Central forests of the U.S., it goes through the thermal modification process and is milled in Minnesota, before being shipped to the project site.
By purchasing wood that is FSC certified, you are being an environmental steward of your area and the world’s resources.
Have questions about Arbor Wood or buying wood from sustainably managed forests? Contact us – we’d love to chat.
