Sustainable Forestry for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gasses

      
Simply put, wood is good. Trees sustain life on our planet and, when properly managed, can provide even greater life-sustaining benefits. Many environmental groups stress the negative impacts of the logging industry. These statements are valid in regards to irresponsible logging practices and the use of wood for poor-quality, non-durable goods. However, when trees are responsibly harvested, new trees are planted and the wood is used to produce high quality, durable products, this process has a significantly positive impact.

Here is why:

1. As trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Trees store the carbon and release life-sustaining purified oxygen into the atmosphere.

2. As mature trees stop growing, they begin to decay and slowly release carbon back into the atmosphere. By harvesting mature trees the captured carbon is retained in the wood instead of releasing back into the atmosphere.

3. Using wood to build high quality, durable products will continually retain captured carbon for the life of the product.

4. New trees are planted to replace the harvested trees. As a young tree grows, it captures and stores carbon at a faster rate than a mature tree.

The keys to a sound environmental strategy are responsible harvesting practices: use as much as the tree as possible, create long lasting wood products and regenerate the forest by planting young trees. This process will create a continual supply of growing trees that remove carbon dioxide, create oxygen and store carbon all the while providing a resource. This process also creates valuable and diversified habitats for wildlife.

Related post : Pennsylvania's Forests - The Commonwealth's Treasure

Source:

Superior Woodcraft, Inc.
Superior Woodcraft Blog