Durable, renewable and biodegradable, wood is an ideal material for everything from furniture to cutting boards. And as we grapple with the aftermath of synthetic materials, such as forever chemicals and microplastics, the humble material growing in our literal backyards is suddenly looking pretty appealing again. But how do you know it wasn’t clearcut from a rainforest?
Figuring out logging practices, deforestation policies, impact on wildlife, pesticide use, and impact on indigenous communities “can be really challenging”, said Linda Walker, the director of corporate engagement for forests at the World Wildlife Fund, who has worked on sustainability issues in woodlands around the world. “You as an individual consumer can’t figure all that stuff out if you’re walking down the grocery store or retail store aisle,” Walker added.
