Archived press release

The good wood guide

12 February 1997

New Publication: 12 February 1997
THE GOOD WOOD GUIDE CHOOSING WOOD THAT DOESN'T WRECK THE PLANET!

The Good Wood Guide
5.95 (including p&p)
Published February 1997
Available from Publications Despatch, Friends of the Earth,
56-58 Alma Street, Luton LU1 2YZ.
To obtain a copy ring 01582 482 297

Friends of the Earth has published a new guidebook that will provide the public with vital information on how to choose wood and wooden products that don't wreck the planet. The Good Wood Guide provides consumers with straightforward advice and practical information on reducing the environmental impact of the timber products we use.

The Good Wood Guide's publication comes at a time of mounting concern about the fate of the world's forests. Next week (Friday 21 February) Friends of the Earth will reveal the links between British companies and forest destruction in Scandinavia where only around 5 per cent of the old growth forests remains [1].

The UK is one of the world's major users of timber and timber products. On average, each person in this country uses around one cubic metre of primary wood products (including paper) each year, with the total UK consumption enough to fill a line of container trucks from London to Sydney. Unfortunately, this massive use of timber is placing huge pressure on the world's forests and is a major cause of their destruction and deterioration.

Georgina Green, Friends of the Earth's Forests Campaigner, said:

"Everybody in the UK can play a part in preserving the world's forests by using wood more wisely, less wastefully, re-using and recycling and choosing what we buy more carefully. The Good Wood Guide provides people with the information to be able to do this."

Packed with useful information, the Good Wood Guide:

• lists numerous companies throughout the country that stock and supply recycled and reclaimed timber and timber products [2]. So whether you are after a new door,furniture or flooring you should find someone who can supply what you need;
• provides information about timber labelling and recommends the scheme operated by the Forest Stewardship Council;
• details information about different types of timber and timber sources from around the globe and their environmental impact [3].

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] See attached briefing sheet.

[2]Please see accompanying release listing some interesting examples of suppliers andusers of recycled/reclaimed timber.

[3] The Good Wood Guide contains information on: reclaimed timber suppliers; the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) timber labelling scheme for virgin timber and details of FSC-labelled timber suppliers; details about different types of timber-based materials (such as fibreboard and plywood etc); an atlas of destruction (the forestry situation in countries around the world); an A-Z of timber (where it comes from and whether it is endangered)and contact details for useful organisations.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust