What Does FSC Certified Wood Mean?

!±8± What Does FSC Certified Wood Mean?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-governmental charity, formed in 1993 to promote responsible management of all of the Earth's forests. Different countries have branches of the organisation operating in them.

The big benefit of the FSC is that forests are protected for future generations and people know that when buying wood that is FSC certified, they are not contributing to deforestation and global warming.

Deforestation is a huge problem for the planet. If forests are not properly managed, we could end up losing an irreplaceable and vital part of the world's ecosystem.

Illegal logging is one part of the problem. People desperate for money chop down virgin forest and clear trees faster than they can be replaced. No regard is given to local wildlife or indigenous peoples that depend on the forest for all of their needs. Unfortunately some of this timber will find its way into the UK where end users are sometimes oblivious as to where the wood has come from.

People can trust the FSC labelling of wood. The certification relates to forest management and chain of custody. A well-managed forest will be managed with consideration for wildlife, people and the environment and trees that have been cut down will be replaced naturally or replanted. Sections of the forest will be protected from logging to protect the rare plants and animals that are part of it and to protect sacred sites of indigenous people. Workers will be sourced locally, trained properly and paid fairly.

The chain of custody tracks the movement of the wood from forest to end supplier. Every link in the process is tracked and certified to make sure that everyone is compliant with the FSC's principles.

Consumers can see the FSC logo (a tree with a tick) on anything from wooden furniture, paper and oak flooring to charcoal and venison.