Woods to Watch Out For

Behind every wooden chair, hardwood floor, and wood-paneled wall, there’s an untold story of the life of a tree, its place in the forest, and the way it was harvested and processed. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is trying to share at least part of that story with consumers so they can make more informed choices when they buy wood and wood products. Businesses that become members of the FSC agree to follow guidelines designed to protect forests. In return, they can put the FSC logo on their products. This way, consumers can quickly identify FSC products.

So far, hundreds of businesses worldwide have signed on, and two top home-improvement retailers in the United States, Home Depot and Lowe’s, have agreed to sell FSC wood. So next time you’re making home improvements, look for certified wood—and help improve habitats for biodiversity, too!