Green Timber

There are several different labelling schemes to show you which of the timber abailable in diy stores and builders merchants is harvested from sustainable sources. Here are a couple of the more common ones to look out for.

The Forest Stewardship Council

This label indicates that the wood in question (either raw lengths of timber or in a product) has come from a forest which is well managed according to strict environmental, social and economic standards. This forest will have been independantly inspected by the FSC and approved as being well managed.

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes

This label tells you that the wood or paper products in question come from forests managed in such a way that they are sustainable and offer the least possible environmental damage.

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

This symbol on a wood or paper product shows you that the materials are at least 70% recycled or that they come from certified sustainable forests.