Sustainable Timber Operations

Sustainable Timber Operations

The appeal of timber is that it is a renewable resource. This means that it can be replenished and maintained as a constant resource. However, in order to be a truly renewable resource timberland has to be effectively managed. We cannot simply clear-cut a forest and move on, and then expect timber to always be available. We have to actively participate in the renewal of the forests that we use for timber.

Sustainable timber operations understand this fact. They therefore take the steps that are needed to ensure that a forest is not destroyed by timber harvests, but rather that they are enhanced by timber harvests. Some of the strategies that are used by these timber operations include replanting projects, selective harvests and salvage of naturally fallen trees.

Advocating for Sustainable Timber Operations

Cost-benefit analyses are what are used by businesses to determine what practices and policies are worth the time and money spent on them. This means that to promote and advocate for sustainable timber operations, consumers have to demonstrate that sustainable timber practices are valued and are a component of purchase decisions. In essence, if you support sustainable timber operations then they will propagate and influence other businesses to adopt similar green business practices.

In addition to simply purchasing sustainable timber and not purchasing timber provided by unsustainable timber operations, consumers can voice their opinion about sustainable timber online and in person. Social networking is a simple way to spread the word about the importance of sustainable timber and a simple way to develop awareness of this topic.

Finally, you can advocate for sustainable timber operations by promoting them through your own business promotion materials. For example, you can place a sustainable timber insignia on your brochures with a brief blurb about the fact that you use only sustainable timber. Again this will produce awareness of sustainable timber and it will create a dialogue with your customers about the importance of sustainable timber.

Author Byline: Madeline Binder loves woodworking, however, she also is interested in preserving the sustainability of the environment. Merging these two passions together, she has created a library of articles on sustainable woodworking and other green topics, such as her train table plans for a toy / activity table. You can also find kid’s train sets and accessories at the The Toy Train Store.