Natural timber resources are finite. That means we can only keep taking more than we give for so long before we run into some very real problems, and if our freshly milled timber outstrips the trees we have, those problems will be here much sooner than we think.
So, sustainable furniture is where we need to turn our attention.
If we can identify sustainable wood and focus on timber production that focuses on using wood from sustainably managed forests, recycled wood, and buy furniture from businesses that recognise timber production demands and try to offset them, then that can only be a good thing.
Today, let’s focus on eco-friendly materials in the timber industry so we can buy sustainable wood furniture and set an example for future generations and take part in sustainable living.
A note on the forest stewardship council
The forest stewardship council (FSC) is a body that focuses on sustainably managed forests that work hard to protect the environment and reduce their environmental impact.
Forest stewards manage these forests to make sure that those in charge are replacing harvested trees, reducing carbon emissions, avoiding endangered species, and supporting responsible forestry and tree species.
The trees from these forests are big parts of furniture making, sustainable wooden flooring, and are used as building materials, amongst other things, and customers can be sure that wood from FSC certified spaces is legit.
Without an FSC approval, you could accidentally support illegal logging accidentally. Illegal logging leads to a larger negative impact on the environment, bigger carbon footprint, reduction of natural resources, and illegally destroying trees in protected spaces like ancient forests.
Currently, just 8% of the world’s forest is protected from destruction, so looking for FSC approval is important before buying any wooden furniture or wood flooring, etc., to avoid buying unsustainable wood. This will support the world being covered in beautiful, green forest that we can use responsibly.
Why sustainable furniture is so important
Why bother buying sustainable wood? Well, sustainable wood and sustainable furniture reduces carbon footprint.
So many tree species are destroyed and wasted due to improper practice. Just look at suspected illegal logging in Russian and Siberian forests for proof of how large the negative impact of unsustainable wood can be.
If you don’t know a wood’s sustainable source, then you’re likely not buying from sustainable sources, and only sustainably sourced materials can guarantee wood that’s environmentally sound.
Besides, FSC approved wood is also a guarantee of high quality furniture, so why wouldn’t you opt for sustainable furniture made from eco friendly wood?
Sustainable interiors (spanning furniture, soft furnishings, accessories, and ornaments) is also a home design trend that’s big right now, and its set to remain big for the future, so sustainable furniture is here to stay. A popular trend amongst the carbon footprint reduction community is tiny houses which also use sustainable materials.
Eco friendly wood
So, if you’re convinced that eco friendly, sustainable wood is important in furniture design, then let’s talk about the best sustainable wood.
Bamboo
FSC certified bamboo is some of the most naturally sustainable wood you can buy, because bamboo grows like wildfire, so it’d be very difficult to have demands outstrip supply.
So long as the wood is handled in an environmentally friendly way throughout the manufacturing processes, then bamboo is perfect.
Buy FSC certified bamboo to guarantee that your outdoor furniture, interior decorations, and other bamboo products are responsibly sourced.
Otherwise, you may be taking bamboo from giant pandas and west African mountain gorillas whose preferred bamboo is already endangered.
Oak
Be careful when buying oak because many oak forests are not FSC approved and are instead being used irresponsibly.
As broad leafed trees, oak trees produce hardwood that are great for outdoor furniture and indoor dining sets, etc, and are a popular choice.
Buying European wood is a good idea when looking for oak products, but be cautious of those from Asia, Africa, and South America because even though there are organisations involved in assessing forests in these areas, there’s not as much guarantee as with FSC approved European wood.
Teak
Only ever buy FSC teak. Teak is exported from Burma and most of it is done so illegally, so only ever buy teak garden furniture and other products from FSC approved places.
Environmentally sound teak is hard to find, so buy FSC or don’t buy it at all.
Teak can be used along with sustainable materials to create excellent quality furniture, but responsible shopping is a must here.
Pine
Pine trees tend to be some of the most sustainable wood you can find, because they’re not slow growing trees, meaning their stock will replenish quickly.
As trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the faster growing the tree, the more sustainable it is and the better it is for the environment when we chop one down to use, because it will be replaced much quicker.
Just look for FSC approval, as always.
Mahogany
New mahogany flooring is exciting, right? And so too are mahogany coffee tables, and other mahogany furniture pieces.
But it’s even better when you know it’s made of sustainable materials.
Unfortunately, a lot of mahogany isn’t responsibly sourced, so you’ll need to look out for FSC approval again.
If you can’t find any new furniture with FSC approval, but still want that mahogany look, try looking for mahogany furniture made of recycled materials and salvaged wood, since this is better for the environment than buying new, unsustainable mahogany.
Black Cherry
Another great option if you can’t find responsible mahogany is black cherry. It is sometimes called ‘poor mans mahogany’ for its similar appearance but cheaper price point.
The best thing about it, though, is that it is grown in abundance in North America, and there are plenty of FSC approved sources for this beautiful wood.
There’s nothing poor about choosing a wood that’s responsibly sourced, if you ask us.
Maple
Maple is a really attractive hardwood that can be used for almost anything, and is grown a lot in North America.
Thankfully, a lot of maple furniture is FSC approved from these forests, so maple furniture is often a great choice when looking for more environmentally thoughtful materials and products.
Final takeaway
If you stick to the advice in this guide, focussing on FSC approved wood when looking for responsible wooden furniture, then you can’t go wrong.
There are other examples of wood that can be sourced responsibly and are FSC certified, but the seven wood examples given today are the ones you’ll find most frequently.
Just shop responsibly, think about your impact on the environment, and there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy your wood furniture and flooring!
