Wood is a living thing, and as such we should treat it with utmost respect. Nature has provided us with an invaluable resource to make our lives better and comfortable. With this in mind we should figure out how to use this vital resource in a sustainable manner.

Trees are sacrificed for the comfort of our existence and the skills applied to the handling of wood should be as minimally invasive to the environment as possible. Sustainability of wood begins with the harvesting of timber. Mother Nature will keep us alive if we treat her well. Like the hunter gatherers of old; only take what you need from the forests. Always plan the harvest of wood according to specific needs, so as to preserve the remaining trees for future use and even future generations.

Reforestation is a big cog in the wheel of sustainability in the woodworking value chain. As my father used to say ‘When you cut down one tree plant two in its place’. This should be a rallying mantra for all people in the woodworking industry so they can extend the length of their businesses by making their main material sustainable. This will help future our forests to flourish and help repair scars left by wood harvesting.

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Reforestation 

is a big cog in the wheel of sustainability in the woodworking value chain. As my father used to say ‘When you cut down one tree plant two in its place’. This should be a rallying mantra for all people in the woodworking industry so they can extend the length of their businesses by making their main material sustainable. This will help future our forests to flourish and help repair scars left by wood harvesting.

Woodworking is an art. In the hands of a skilled artisan, wood can be turned into an item that even Pablo Picasso would be proud of Beautifully crafted wood has been used to even adorn the courts of Kings and Presidents. An answer to sustainable woodworking should be proper training of artisans. Strict examinations should be conducted so that no half-baked carpenter should even be allowed to look at a tree. Such measures should streamline the industry and provide higher pay for these skilled workers. The humble tree has just put more money in a deserving pocket.

Wood is a vital building material. If used well there will be less wastage and the forest gets to live another day. These construction sites have also provided the raw material for a new niche category business; reclaimed wood sales. As a function of sustainability waste wood from job sites is collected and sold on to bespoke furniture makers.

I have a friend who has a love affair with sustainable woodworking. He would design a table on his computer and then enter his truck and go salvaging planks of wood from building sites. He would pick pieces and begin to build the table like a jigsaw puzzle. Trim edges with no hassles using shaving tools and then tuned the trimmed pieces into something. The finished product was an amazing piece with a shimmering finish, a sight to behold.

This cycle of forest to an upcycled product should be etched in us to be able to enjoy woodworking as a necessity and an art form.

I think I am going to take time and go and visit the reclaimed woodworker today I have learned a vital lesson. For the woodworking industry to flourish it has to be sustainable.