What is sustainable wood? In today’s world, sustainability has become an important factor to consider in all aspects of our lives. This is especially true when it comes to the materials we use, such as wood.
In this post, we’ll explore what the term sustainable wood means and how to find sustainable wood for other uses, like home projects. We’ll also look at our unique approach to sourcing logs for our handcrafted boards and bowls.
What is Sustainable Wood?
Sustainable wood refers to wood that is sourced and harvested in a way that prioritizes the well-being of the environment. It means using methods that ensure forests are protected, biodiversity is preserved, and the carbon footprint of production is minimized.
This type of wood comes from forests managed carefully with a focus on ecosystem health, often certified by global organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council. These certifications assure consumers that the products they’re buying are sourced from forests where sustainable methods are practiced.
Sustainable wood is obtained through responsible practices such as selective logging and reforestation. In selective logging, only certain trees are cut down, leaving a variety of species standing to promote biodiversity. Meanwhile, reforestation ensures that for every tree cut down, a new one is planted, helping maintain a balanced ecosystem.
By choosing responsibly sourced wood, we can contribute to a more environmentally-friendly future. Not only does this reduce the strain on our forests, but it also helps combat climate change. This is because trees sequester carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas, thus playing a vital role in maintaining the planet’s overall climate health.
When it comes to kitchenware, choosing sustainable wood for items like bowls and boards is a great way to add an eco-friendly touch to your everyday life.
How We Source Wood Sustainably at Spencer Peterman
At Spencer Peterman, we are committed to sourcing our wood locally and sustainably.
We have a unique approach to sourcing the wood for our bowls and boards sustainably. Instead of sourcing virgin wood specifically for our products, we work exclusively with logs that have already been felled for other reasons.
Typically this wood is supplied to us by local tree services and would otherwise be tossed, chipped, or burned. At our Western MA workshop, we give these logs new life as heirloom-quality wooden kitchenware.
We take sustainability very seriously, even taking care to put our scrap wood to use. We use scrap wood to heat our workshop, and give some to local artisans, such as a nearby spoon carver. Even the sawdust produced at our workshop becomes mulch at a local farm.
By sourcing our wood sustainably and putting even our scraps to good use, we not only provide you with high-quality, eco-friendly products but also contribute to the conservation of local forests and the protection of our planet’s biodiversity.
Not only that, but wood products like ours are so durable, they won’t need to be replaced frequently, which reduces waste and consumption. With the proper care, our kitchenware can last for generations.
How to Purchase Sustainable Wood
When it comes to buying sustainable wood for other projects, one important factor to look for is FSC certification. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, an international organization that sets standards for responsible forest management. By choosing wood with FSC certification, you can be confident that it comes from a forest that is managed in an environmentally responsible way.
When purchasing wood for your projects, look for the FSC logo. This ensures that the wood has been sourced sustainably and supports the conservation of forests and the livelihoods of local communities.
Additionally, consider the type of wood you are using. Some types of wood, such as bamboo and reclaimed wood, are inherently more environmentally friendly. These alternatives can be great options for your projects while reducing the demand for virgin wood.
By making conscious choices and selecting FSC certified wood or green alternatives, you can create beautiful and eco-friendly projects.
In Conclusion
Choosing our sustainably sourced wooden kitchenware or similar products might seem inconsequential at first. But in the long run, these decisions can collectively lead to substantial environmental change. So, take pride in your sustainable choices and know that you’re doing your part to maintain our planet’s valuable ecosystems.
