More Information
Wood - the world’s most sustainable raw material
Authors: Dr W. R. J. (Wink) SuttonPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2010, Issue N.Z.J.For. 55(1) 2010, pp 22-26, May 2010
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: (An update of the keynote paper to the UNFF Intersessional expert meeting on The Role of Planted Forests in Sustainable Forest Management, Wellington New Zealand. (24 - 30 March 2003) Summary Sustainability concerns have led to efforts to reduce consumption. However, consumption is a key driver of an economy. Because economic growth requires increased consumption it is political suicide for democratic Governments to reduce consumption. Consumption is only a problem if we consume unsustainable (finite) resources : Consumption should not be a problem if we consume renewable resources. Energy is one of our largest resource needs. The sun is by far our most important sustainable energy resource. An environmentally friendly alternative for capturing and storing solar energy is through photosynthesis and the growing of wood. Wood is very energy efficient and very user friendly. Wood is very versatile - being used for perhaps as many as 100,000 different products. If recent trends to substitute solid wood products were reversed not only would energy demands be reduced but the environment would also benefit. Where possible, solid wood products should replace concrete, metals and plastics.