It has long been known that engineered products such as plastic have a devastating effect on our health and our environment. Responsibly sourced wood has several advantages that make it a healthier and more ecological alternative.
Here are just 5 reasons why wood is the best choice:
Renewable Resource
Wood is unique in the sense that it is the only renewable material we have available. When you purchase sustainable wood, it is grown and cultivated in a certified forest plantation which is responsible for the replanting of trees to ensure sustainability.
Wood Tackles Climate Change
Wood is our one natural defense against climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants from the atmosphere, store the carbon, and release oxygen back into the air.
One mature tree can produce up to 100kg of oxygen per year but it takes up to 7 or 8 trees to produce enough oxygen for one person for a year. If our trees disappear, we’re in serious trouble!
This is why WoodU is focused and dedicated to planting two trees for every tree used for manufacturing our wooden products.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Other materials, such as plastic, for example, require large amounts of fossil fuels to be produced. Wood, on the other hand, is processed using much less energy — meaning wood products have a significantly lower carbon footprint. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), “Carbon stored by wood products offsets nearly all of the greenhouse gas emissions related to their production.”
Wood is Biodegradable
When other materials, including metal and plastics, are discarded, they can take up to 1000 years to decompose all the while leaching harmful chemicals into the ground. When left to natural climate conditions, wood will break down much faster AND return nutrients back into the soil.
Better for Health and Well-Being
There is a growing body of research proving that environments incorporating wooden furnishing and fixtures offer a multitude of health and wellbeing benefits.
The benefits of wood include:
- A better state of emotional and mental well-being
- Reduced blood pressure and heart rate
- Lowers stress and anxiety levels
- Increased social interaction
- Better work and learning environment
- Elicits feelings of warmth and comfort
As well as these important benefits, wood is safe to use in the home. As a natural product, there are no toxins or harmful chemicals, making it a much safer and healthier alternative to plastics.