In some cases, the use of wood can be sustainable. Earthbilt™ does not buy into the rhetoric of the vast majority of industrial-scale wood producers. That said, using wood logged from local, sustainable sources can often have a lower impact then using materials from thousands of miles away.
The Northeast United States comprises the largest area of regrowing forests in the world. However, much of the area is under pressure for conversion to housing, infrastructure, shopping malls and industry. Thus, in some cases, well-managed forestry in these second-growth forests can be more sustainable than other uses.
Long-lasting wood products from longer-rotation, well-managed forestry is also a better use than short-rotation tree farms used for pulpwood.
Domestic producers of flooring, furniture and millwork typically seek higher quality wood — that is, that which comes from longer-rotation management. One-hundred-year-old trees yield higher quality wood than twenty-year-old trees. Supporting companies making flooring and furniture from local, well-managed forest operations can thus help keep diverse forests standing, allowing them to continue to age towards old growth.
The wood from these forests also carries the beauty that results from good forestry.
Earthbilt™ currently sells flooring from a New England cooperative of private land owners who are managing their forests sustainably. We will soon be connecting with sources across the US to provide local options for buyers in all regions of the country.
Our New England flooring is available in wide widths in many species and grades.
Call us at 917/543-4064 or email Earthbilt™ today for more information or with your project designs and to obtain a quote.
