Alternatives to "old development & virgin" lumber
A few of the problems associated with conventional methods of logging wood are erosion problems, damaging of natural habitats and biodiversity, reduced oxygen generation, poor water quality and air quality both in the immediate area and on a global scale. Most of us have become increasingly aware of these important issues and have been seeking solutions. Fortunately, there are several options to wood that have a softer environmental impact.
We recommend usage of:
Certified sustainable wood
Composition woods or engineered wood products
Salvaged, reclaimed or re-milled lumber
Wood from trees that might otherwise be in the waste stream (such as outdated fruit orchard trees), for finishes and trim
Recycled content sheet goods, (recycled newsprint, agricultural byproducts or wood waste are considered recycled content materials).
Certified Sustainable Wood
Not all timber is created equal: some is harvested with care and knowledge of valuable ecosystems, while some is the product of clear cuts and deforestation. Until recently there was no dependable way for the customer to tell the difference. Conservationists and conscientious landowners have developed a certification program that vouches for green forestry. Certification is a way to use the market to provide positive incentives for long-term, ecological, forest management.
In order to receive this certification seal, landowners must devise explicit management plans for maintaining ecological balance and log only within the limits of the forests ability to grow back. Certifying agencies conduct annual inspections and audits of timber shipments to ensure that these businesses honor the guidelines.
In fact there's even an accreditation program to ensure that certifiers are above board. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is considered to be the gold standard for this task. The FSC supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world forests by establishing sustainable forestry guidelines. Another role of FSC is the accreditation and monitoring of third-party certifiers. The FSC is endorsed by the World Wildlife Foundation, the Wilderness Society, The Natural Resource Defense Council, the Rainforest Alliance and the World Resources Institute. Since it's founding in 1993 by indigenous groups, timber companies and environmental organizations, the Forest Stewardship Council has authorized three European groups and two in the United States- SmartWood and Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) to dispense the FSC logo.
For landowners the environmental stamp of approval reassures neighbors, workers and the public that they are practicing good forestry. Some high profile certified wood users include Martin and Gibson (guitars), Char-Broil (grills) and smith and Hawken (outdoor furniture). Home Depot and Lowe's have pioneered a commitment to certified wood by assign a phase out of conventional wood in exchange for FSC certified lumber.
As a consumer, the opportunity is yours to communicate that you are in support of forestry practice that protects habitats. When shopping at Home Depot or Lowe's simply look for the FSC logo (a check mark with a tree) stamped on the end of the lumber. By choosing products with this logo you can be assured that the wood you select comes from forests managed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Wood Certification Overview
Industry Representatives
Certified Forest Products Council - www.certifiedwood.org is the industry representative and is an independent, not-for-profit, voluntary initiative committed to promoting responsible forest products buying practices worldwide. CFPC actively promotes the increased purchase, use, and sale of third-party independent certified forest products.
Certification Standards
Forest Stewardship Council - www.fscus.com is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that promotes responsible forestry by accrediting and monitoring certification organizations to ensure compliance with FSC requirements. FSC also encourages the development of national and regional forest management standards
Third-Party Certifiers of Wood products
SmartWood - www.smartwood.org is approved to disseminate the FSC logo. Certifications include rediscovered wood such as wood from aging orchards.
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) - www.scs1.com approved to disseminate the FSC logo.
Uses - Certified sustainable wood is used where any conventional wood product is used. Plywood and veneers have been certified making it easier to build furniture entirely out of good wood.
Attributes
Environmental -Certified wood protects natural habitats and conserves resources.
If your looking for info about DWG House Plans, Just Visit our website at http://www.housecabin.com/ and know all about it.