Good wood guide checklist

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

 
Introduction to the Good wood guideChecklist for buying and using wood timberLinks to sources of information on wood and timberOrder the book of the Good wood guideAcknowledgements

 

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

If you can't repair or adapt and existing item and you can't find suitable reclaimed, recycled or local FSC certified timber buy FSC from further afield. Although far from ideal, it offers a better chance than the alternatives 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.

Friends of the Earth is supporting a review of the FSC scheme to ensure the highest standards in all cases.

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

If you must buy new, selecting FSC certified products over others will send a powerful message to the timber industry and governments that you don't want timber that comes 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.

 

 

 

 

Related links

FSC UK UK Forest Stewardship Council news and information.

UK listings of (FSC) retailers.

FSC International Global Forest Stewardship Council information.

Global Trees Campaign For information about the conservation status of trees.

Or see our full list of Good wood guide links.

Image: © FSC UK