Nearly all (some 90%) of the homes built in the United States are framed out of wood. Plus, if you consider trim, furniture, cabinets, and doors, wood is used throughout the design of a home.
Here’s how wood stands up to the life cycle test:
Where does wood come from? Wood is natural and renewable, coming from various species of trees. Verdict: Good.
What are the by-products of harvesting wood? Most wood is sourced from the clear-cutting of forests. Cutting down the forest just to get to the wood is like shoveling up the lawn to get the blades of grass. Verdict: Bad.
How is wood delivered and installed? Most wood comes from the Pacific Northwest and Canada, and is shipped around the United States and Canada. Energy is required to ship and mill the wood. It is installed easily, and the most junior person on the construction site knows how to work with wood. Verdict: Fair.
How is wood maintained and operated? The wood itself is durable and easily refinished, but it’s traditionally covered with sealers and coatings that release harmful chemicals. Verdict: Fair.
How healthy is wood? The wood itself is very healthy, because it’s a natural material. However, it’s often finished with chemical sealers. Verdict: Good.
What do we do with wood after we’re done with it? Wood can be reclaimed and milled into other uses. It can be recycled and turned into particle board. Verdict: Good.
The source of wood has the greatest environmental impact. Instead of using wood from destructive sources, you can get sustainably harvested wood. Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (
http://www.fscus.org), this wood has been certified to come from well-managed sources. Expect to pay 20% more for sustainably harvested wood than you would pay otherwise.
Regardless of the type of wood you use, be sure to seal it with nontoxic finishes (see The Dangers of Traditional Finishes).
Share This Article
