Why buying certified timber really matters

At EcoChoice, we talk a lot about our FSC® and PEFC-certified timber. But why are these well-known accreditations so important? To learn more, we are taking a peek behind the sustainable curtain of certified timber to get to grips with why this really (really!) matters.

What Is Certified Timber?

When talking about PEFC, FSC and other similar certifications, we are looking at responsible and sustainable forestry. Any product which carries this stamp – be it timber sleepers, decking boards or fenders – has been sourced from a responsibly managed forest. In these areas, strict regulations are followed to ensure the timber meets ethical and environmental standards, creating a timber supply which is better for everyone involved.

Why Responsible Forestry Matters

Over half of all the forested land we have lost in the past 10,000 years disappeared in the last century. These natural spaces did not just vanish, but were (for the most part) destroyed by human activity. Entire forests have been destroyed to build homes, raise cattle (and grow the food to feed the cattle) and provide consumers with timber, which is what we will be focusing on.

The good news is that deforestation is reversible. Part of the work of organisations such as the FSC and PEFC is to put an end to deforestation caused by timber production. They do this by pinpointing old-growth forests and keeping them safe from destruction, never overharvesting from a single area and allowing the land to regenerate naturally.

This helps ecosystems and animal life continue to thrive while maintaining timber supply. By consciously and carefully harvesting timber rather than demolishing entire landscapes, our planet’s woodlands are preserved for generations to come.

Sustainability, Ethics, and HCVs

For sustainable timber, these accreditations are a must (as is using reclaimed timber where possible). But certified timber is about more than just reducing deforestation.

Some of the main focuses tackled by the FSC, for example, include:

• Unethical and illegal logging
• Species conservation
• Flooding issues
• Impacts on local communities (including indigenous communities)
• Restoring damaged environments

A lot of their work is broken down into high conservation values (HCVs) which ensures they identify and manage vital values in timber production. The six categories of HCVS include:

1. Species diversity
2. Landscape-level ecosystems
3. Ecosystems and habitats
4. Ecosystem services
5. Community needs
6. Cultural values

Why Choose Certified Timber?

Choosing certified timber from responsibly managed forests means you are investing in a more ethical production process where our people and planet are considered.

You are choosing to say “no” to illegal logging and “yes” to full traceability of your timber products. You are also prioritising the safety of local communities from potential dangers in the timber harvesting industry, including flooding to the land from a reduction of trees. As if that were not enough, you are also agreeing that the well-being of workers involved in harvesting your timber is important and should always be respected.

In other words? You are saying “yes” to a fairer, kinder and more sustainable future.

Find PEFC and FSC-Certified Timber

At EcoChoice, we have only ever supplied independently certified timber from responsibly managed forests. That is not going to change, either! If you are looking for ethical timber which prioritises sustainability, conservation and social well-being, get in touch with our team today. We will be happy to tell you more about the species and products available or take your certified timber order.