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:: Specific Design Brief
CAT 5:
Using Timber
Sustainably - further information
PRODUCT DESIGN UK
- ISSUES & RESOURCES
Issues
� The extraction of tropical hardwoods is frequently extremely damaging to
the environment. To fell one mahogany tree loggers fell a considerable area
of other timber which is left to rot. Deforestation is adding to problems of
Climate Change as forested areas are �carbon sinks�, which have absorbed
carbon dioxide. In many cases when trees are felled they are not replaced.
� Importing timber produces carbon dioxide through the energy used in
transport.
� Composite boards make use of small sections of timber but often contain
damaging substances in their adhesives.
� When trees are felled and replaced by young trees the carbon cycle can
continue.
� Using a certain amount of timber creates a market for it and therefore a
value in maintaining woodland.
� A monoculture of conifer trees can be very damaging to the local
environment. Planting mixed forestry of indigenous species creates habitats
for wildlife and very pleasant woodland for leisure pursuits.
Sources of information:
www.trada.co.uk The Timber Research and Development Association
www.greenwoodtrust.org.uk
www.foe.org.uk friends of the Earth have produced The Good Wood Guide
and Stop the Chop � new guide to buying wood without wrecking forests
The Whole House Book � CAT, info on timber and other materials
FURTHER INFORMATION
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