Going green? Go with wood.

If you've read any of our previous blog posts, you'll know we've been all about setting the record straight when it comes to wood. Wood as a building material offers a host of benefits that are simply unmatched by anything else– and the affordability, versatility, and renewable nature of the material solidifies its position as second to none.

One of the clearest reasons timber harvesting is so productive and efficient for our ecosystem, though, actually lies in what wood products mean for going green and keeping our environment clean. That's right– aside from the production benefits and the savings in harvesting timber vs. other more costly materials, wood products are worth their weight in gold– when it comes to going green.

Wood product waste is completely biodegradable.

There's not an ounce of wood byproduct that harms the environment– as it breaks down into soil and nutrients for other living creatures. Where metal, concrete, and other materials all end up contributing to the myriad of issues that plague our natural environment in one way or another, wood does nothing but help. What's better for living green than using products that are 100% biodegradable?

When properly taken care of, wood can last a long, long time.

There isn't a material out there that can match the longevity and  beauty of natural wood. When cared for properly, wood can last over a hundred years, and still look as new as the day it was installed. Wood floors are a great example of this. Here in Pennsylvania, there are plenty of homes built in the 1950s and 1960s that are completely gutted except for the lustrous wood floors.

When you choose wood products, you're choosing natural elegance that will last far longer than made alternatives. The cost savings that come with not having to replace the wooden components of your project, coupled with what you save the environment by not needing new materials for rebuilding are absolutely undeniable. Going green can be affordable, too, thanks to wood!

Forest management contributes to a rich, diverse ecosystem.

There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Forest management doesn't harm the environment or rob wildlife of their homes. It intentionally reshapes the environment and allows new ecosystems to form and thrive. As a Michigan State study puts it, there is no permanent destruction when trees are harvested– there are only temporary winners and losers as the environment adapts to a change and realigns itself. Contrary to popular belief, our forests are not the primary producer of the air we breathe. Think about it– is it any harder to breathe in the ocean or in the desert? No!

While forests do help with a number of things, managing them and using their resources for sustainable wood products is just as important as their growth and contributions. There's no better way to go green than by using products that help with the management and, in turn, the longevity of our forests.

If you're considering better ways to go green, think about purchasing wood products sourced by harvesters, like us, that are committed to forest sustainability. Or, stop by the shop anytime to see the timber we have in stock for your own DIY project!