Forest products, such as lumber, paper and energy, are an essential part of our lives, and it is not realistic to stop using forest products altogether to end clearcutting. However, you can promote alternatives to clearcutting by purchasing forest products that are produced sustainably. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sets voluntary standards for responsible forest management – the only system supported by groups such as WWF, Sierra Club, Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Council and National Wildlife Federation. Today, more than 380 million acres of forest are certified under FSC’s system, including more than 150 million acres in the US and Canada.
Don’t confuse FSC certification with the timber industry’s own, less rigorous certification program, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). SFI products can come from forests that are clearcut.
Look for the FSC label when buying lumber products:
Learn more at FSC.org