Good wood guide checklist

 
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

Good wood guide checklist

Make the best environmental choice when buying or using wood. Start with step 1 - the best option - and work your way through.

 

Step 1

Repair, restore or adapt something you already have. You may need professional help but it could still be cheaper than buying something new and it's far better for the world's forests.

 

Step 2

Buy secondhand, recycled, reclaimed or waste timber. A better environmental choice than buying new.

 

Step 3

Although it's by no means perfect, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber is your next best option. Buy local before you look further afield. If you can't repair or buy reclaimed or recycled timber, buying locally-produced timber products means less fossil fuel is used in transportation.

 

Step 4

Buy FSC certified products from further afield. If there's no timber available from a locally certified forest, the FSC logo is preferable to uncertified timber. All FSC certified wood carries the FSC logo.

Advice about non FSC timber

FSC certification should mean timber is from a forest managed in the interests of people and the environment.

Friends of the Earth is concerned at reports that some FSC certificates are failing to guarantee rigorous environmental and social standards. We're supporting a review of the scheme to ensure the highest standards for all products.

When buying any timber:

  1. Find out the timber type.
  2. Refer to the A - Z of different types of wood timber to see if it's from an endangered species.
  3. Always insist on an alternative timber if necessary.
  4. Explore other sources of information on wood.

In the Good wood web guide