Why American hardwoods are an eco-conscious choice - The Explorer: Green Living

Why American hardwoods are an eco-conscious choice

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Posted: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 3:00 am

From flooring and cabinetry to moulding and furniture, American hardwoods have been treasured for generations, and for good reason. They offer warmth, durability, luxury and design options that are unmatched by faux-wood products such as laminates and bamboo.

Recently, however, an abundance of green product labels and misinformation has led to confusion in the marketplace, and has everyone asking, “Are American hardwoods really a sustainable resource?” and “Are the hardwood products I want for my home really green?”

The American Hardwood Information Center, www.HardwoodInfo.com, wants you to know that the answer to these questions is a resounding “yes.” And now, homeowners have assurance from the federal government that American hardwood products are not only beautiful, but also truly green and sustainable.

Natural and sustainable



A trusted source

American forests continue to be a trusted source for sustainable and legally harvested timber. Imported wood and wood-substitute products are not regulated like domestic products, and their quality-control standards are inconsistent. In addition, local availability and manufacturing significantly minimizes the environmental impact of transporting hardwood products.


Wood is carbon-neutral

Wood is a carbon-neutral material. Healthy forests are net producers of oxygen through photosynthesis. Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and separate the carbon and oxygen atoms. The oxygen is released back into the atmosphere, while the carbon is used to grow roots, the trunk, branches and leaves. The carbon is then stored in the wood for the life of the tree and the products made from it.


With hardwood, the manufacturing process is limited to running a saw blade and kiln drying. In comparison, the steel and concrete manufacturing processes consist of numerous procedures that are extremely energy-intensive. And for both, unfavorable environmental consequences result from open pit mining and from the substantial fossil fuels expended and emissions generated in the processing of the raw materials.

Furthermore, advanced technology and manufacturing assures the least wood waste and efficient use of wood byproducts. For example, tree bark becomes mulch and soil conditioners, sawdust is used for animal bedding or as fuel for boilers to operate dry kilns, and trimmings can be used for wood components and paper. No other material can compare.

Hardwoods for the home – beyond sustainable

In our homes, hardwood products are some of the healthiest and most cost-effective ones we could choose. They do not collect dust or allergens – which can be trapped in other materials – and environmentally friendly paints and stains can be used to complement any design scheme. In addition, hardwood products can be refinished and can last a lifetime. A solid hardwood floor, for instance, can last in excess of 100 years, while carpet would need to be replaced numerous times during that span.

At the end of their useful lives, hardwood products can be repurposed, used as a combustible fuel, or returned to the Earth, whereas synthetic and heavily glued products like bamboo, will remain in a landfill almost indefinitely.



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