With the growing popularity of green building materials, more and more organizations are employing environmental and sustainability policies. These are all positive steps toward reducing the impact of global warming and caring for our earth. However, what do you really know about a product you buy that is labeled green? Is it really environmentally friendly, or are the claims just marketing noise? And how much of a difference is this actually making?
“Green and sustainable forestry practices are a step in the right direction. But even the most stringent standards, those certified internationally by the Forest Stewardship Council, are only a modest step away from the large-scale deforestation practices that were prevalent until recently,” says Raul Hernandez, founder of Old-Growth Again, (OGA) an organization dedicated to restoring logged forestlands back to their ancient form.
Hernandez explains the problem of sustainable forestry does little in the way of restoring large and ancient trees overtime. Without these trees as a significant portion of living forests, the effects forestlands can have on global cooling are limited. Under sustainable forestry practices, lands are cut at rates of up to 30 percent per decade. At this rate of cut, a forest is yes, “sustained,” but it’s maintained as a relatively young forest in with trees rarely exceeding 80 years of age.
OGA is changing this by practicing a much higher “Restoration Forestry” standard. Restoration forestry involves many practices including limiting the rate of cut to a maximum of 10 percent in any one decade. This conservative rate allows for a growth increase of standing lumber at rates of approximately 20 percent per decade, allowing the forest to mature so that a large amount of the forest canopy will once again be dominated by trees over 200 years old (the definition of old-growth).
Why is this important? “Depending on the tree species and geography, forests managed on a 200-year cycle sequester 3 to 4 times more carbon per acre than forests managed on 60 to 80 year cycles,” says Hernandez. “Restoration forestry practiced on a global scale would cause dramatic global cooling to take place while growing the highest quality lumber.”
How can we help? With the coming nice weather, more people are spending time outside enjoying their back yards. If you are looking to add some new furniture and decor, consider Forever Redwood, OGA’s thick-timber products, which help fund the organization’s mission. Add some new lawn furniture, a gazebo or pergola, a swing or just some planter boxes.
The look and design of Forever Redwood products is a throwback to another era when lumber was plentiful. All of these items are hand-crafted and guaranteed up to 30 years.
Single Adirondack Chain Glider
Adirondack Chain Gliders are available in four wood grades: Old-Growth Redwood, Mature Redwood, Young Redwood and Douglas-fir. They are also available in three sizes: Single,
Double and three Person. Other custom options are available.
4-Foot Round Picnic Table Alone
Round Forever Picnic Tables are available in four wood grades: Old-Growth Redwood, Mature Redwood, Young Redwood and Douglas-fir. They are also available in four sizes: 4-Foot, 4.5-Foot, 5-Foot and 5.5-Foot. Other custom options are available
We build-to-order beautiful gazebos, arbors, pergolas, and more!
8 x 8 Spa Gazebo
Spa Gazebos are available in four wood grades: Old-Growth Redwood, Mature Redwood, Young Redwood and Douglas-fir. They are also available in 14 sizes. Other custom options are available.
12L x 12W x 12H Parquet Planters
Parquet Planters are available in four wood grades: Old-Growth Redwood and Mature Redwood. They are also available in 73 sizes. Other custom options are available
48"L X 48"W X 15"H Playa Sandboxes
La Playa Sandboxes are available in four wood grades: Old-Growth Redwood, Mature Redwood, Young Redwood and Douglas-fir. They are also available in three sizes: 48"L x 48"W x 15"H, 60"L x 60"W x 15"H and 72"L x 72"W x 15"H. Other custom options are available
About The Author:
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This article was written by J. Mark Soveign who writes for Wertheim Communications LLC as well as Mooker.Com Did you like this story? If so, vote for it on your favorite social bookmark site: |
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