Option 4: Buying timber products that are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified from further afield

If you can't get hold of local FSC certified timber then we think buying FSC from further afield is better than uncertified timber. Although it's not perfect, FSC offers a better chance that the wood comes from a well-managed source.

What is FSC certification?

FSC certification sets the strongest available standard for new wood.

In many cases it guarantees your timber has been sourced sustainably from well-managed forests.

But there have been reports that some FSC certificates are failing to guarantee rigorous environmental and social standards.

So we're supporting a review of the FSC scheme to ensure the highest standards in all cases.

We think the best environmental choice is to repair or adapt an existing item, use reclaimed timber or buy locally-grown wood.

But if you need to buy new timber then selecting FSC certified products will send a powerful message to the timber industry and governments that you don't want timber from destructive logging.

If the FSC certification was working as intended it:

• is a globally recognised scheme
• is fully participatory, with transparent and open processes
• uses performance-based standards
• has rigorous, independent assessment process, including stakeholder consultation and on-going monitoring.

How do I know it's FSC certified?

All FSC timber carries the FSC logo.