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Canada's Forests Feed US Markets
Old growth cut there ends up here
British Columbia exports two-thirds of the wood products from its old-growth forests to customers in the US. Although we support a vibrant timber industry and lumber trade between our two countries, we work to ensure that the industry is ecologically sustainable. To that end we encourage Americans and Canadians to buy wood products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
When you shop, protect old growth
Avoid buying wood from old-growth, or otherwise ecologically and socially sensitive forests. You can find a more comprehensive list of these forests at www.forestethics.org. Educate yourself about the origins of local lumber supplies and what to avoid. Ask your supplier about his product sources.
Purchase, recycled, reclaimed, salvaged and FSC-certified wood for your construction projects. Specify these alternatives to your contractor and architect. Ask for them at your local DYI store or lumberyard. Follow the links below for sources of these products.
Encourage local policymakers to adopt LEED standards and policies that promote FSC-certified products for government funded construction projects. Encourage them to promote LEED standards through incentives for all construction projects in their jurisdictions.