Recently, however, an abundance of green product labels and misinformation has led to confusion in the marketplace, and has everyone asking, “Are American hardwoods really a sustainable resource?” And “Are the hardwood products I want for my home really green?” The answer to these questions is a resounding yes! And now, homeowners have assurance from the federal government that American hardwood products are not only beautiful, but truly green and sustainable.

Natural and Sustainable
The U.S. Congress passed resolutions in 2009 and 2010 which officially recognized that the American hardwood industry sustainably manages an environmentally preferable, natural resource, and that hardwoods should not be discriminated against in government procurement programs. In March 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreed and announced its endorsement strategy regarding the merits of domestic wood as a preferred green building material.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in keeping with the USDA endorsement of American hardwoods as a sustainable material, directed the heads of all USDA agencies to begin increasing use of locally milled lumber in all new agency buildings and facilities. Also, the U.S. Forest Service will examine ways to enhance research and development being done around green building materials.

The Facts are Undeniable
American forests continue to be a trusted source for sustainable and legally harvested timber. Imported wood and wood substitute products are not regulated like domestic products, and their quality control standards are inconsistent. In addition, local availability and manufacturing significantly minimizes the environmental impact of transporting hardwood products.

Hardwood forests naturally regenerate themselves and do not need to be replanted like softwood forests. For this reason, their harvesting methods differ. The preferred method of harvesting hardwoods is single-tree selection. A professional forester evaluates a forest and determines which trees are ready to harvest. This responsible forest management practice not only provides a sustaining supply of hardwood, but it also ensures the overall health of a thriving forest – including water quality, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities – and has allowed the volume of our hardwood forests to more than double since the 1950’s.

Wood is Carbon Neutral
Thanks to the work of our foresters, wood is a carbon neutral material. Healthy forests are net producers of oxygen through photosynthesis. Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and separate the carbon and oxygen atoms. The oxygen is released back into the atmosphere, while the carbon is used to grow roots, trunk, branches and leaves. The carbon is then stored in the wood for the life of the tree and the products made from it.