Sustainable Wood: What It Is and What You Need to Know

November 02, 2020

By the year 2030, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) estimates that 27% of the Amazon Rainforest will have disappeared due to deforestation. Increasing deforestation will disrupt the lives of millions upon millions of living beings, killing wildlife, destroying resources, and further accelerating global warming. Trees are critical to cooling our planet, absorbing excess carbon dioxide. By cutting down those trees, we release some of the 90-140 billion metric tons of carbon stored in the Amazon Rainforest back into the atmosphere.

Thankfully, we can do something about it. By sustainably sourcing our wood, we can reduce deforestation and prevent further damage to our ecosystem.

What is sustainable wood?

When you harvest wood from a sustainably managed forest, it is called sustainable wood. During this process, the forest is sourced in a way that protects existing trees, wildlife, waterways, and the surrounding ecosystem. Harvested trees are continually replaced, and the area is never overexploited.

Why should we use it?

The Amazon Rainforest and other forests around the world are crucial to our planet's overall health. Without them, we could see increasing rates of carbon dioxide levels, and it could threaten the lives of the people and animals that reside there. By harvesting wood sustainably, however, we can protect our forests, animals, and people. Not only that, but the more we use sustainable wood products, the fewer plastic products we will use as well.

How can I buy sustainable wood products?

There are a few things to look out for when buying sustainable wood products. Any wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is guaranteed to be sustainably sourced. However, if the FSC does not certify a product, that doesn't mean it's not sustainable. Other organizations that certify wood harvests include the American Tree Farm System, the Canadian Standards Association, and more. A product's website may also mention if they use sustainable wood.

At Shadetree Sunglasses, our wooden sunglasses are all sustainably and responsibly sourced. To learn more, or to buy your own pair, look through our website today!

 


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