Illegal Logging:

Destroys Vital Ecosystems
Illegal logging doesn’t honor the fact that a forest is a living, breathing ecosystem. By depriving plants and animals of a space to live and reproduce, illegal logging triggers devastating species loss. About 80% of terrestrial species call rainforests home. Where unregulated deforestation is in practice, much of the planet’s biodiversity is at risk of extinction.

FSC® certified lumber is harvested in a way that puts the interests of native species first. Entire areas of the forest are left untouched to protect species growth, and the system works closely with environmental organizations such as WWF and Greenpeace to ensure that animals and plants are safe throughout the harvesting process.

Devastates Local and International Economies
Illegal logging operations usually find ways to avoid paying taxes, which means that they can sell wood under market value. While consumers might gravitate towards slashed prices, they’re inadvertently contributing to devastating deforestation. When forests are clear-cut, these operations also deprive local communities of an important source of sustainable income.

FSC® certified wood is regulated to ensure that employees are fairly compensated. The system also provides training to ensure that all foresters are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be good stewards of the environment.

Isn’t a Sustainable Solution
If we don’t stop illegal logging operations, we won’t have any forests left to harvest. Ipe flooring is a good example of a species greatly depreciated by illegal logging. Thanks to its hardness and durability, ipe has become a popular building material. It also has a dark history as being one of the most unsustainably harvested types of wood in Central and South America. By making sure that the ipe you’re buying holds FSC® certification, you can enjoy this beautiful wood without contributing to its eventual demise.

That FSC® certified designation is more than just a label – It’s a commitment to our future. AltruWood is looking ahead. If everyone positions themselves as stewards for a healthier future, we can protect our forests and all of the people, animals, and plants who rely on them.

You can find out more about our business ethos, or browse our range of FSC® certified wood products at our site.

They are providers which supply us with clean oxygen to breathe and vital raw materials to use for our homes. They are selfless, absorbing carbon dioxide that would otherwise pollute our air; a single tree is capable of sequestering up to 48 pounds of the CO2 each year. They give life, providing ecosystems for an almost innumerable variety of plant and animal species.

Altruwood is proud to invest in the healthy future of our forests by supplying sustainable wood to our customers. From where we stand, eco friendly materials aren’t just an option — It’s the only way. The most effective way to ensure the long-term health of our forests is through sustainable management. And in order to do this, a set of standards need to exist.

Enter FSC-certification. The most rigorous forest management certification framework, administered by the Forest Stewardship Council, marks the stamp of approval that “products come from well managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.” The FSC’s criteria establishes clear guidelines landowners can adopt to secure the long term wellbeing of their forests. This enables them to harvest wood sustainably and responsibly.

Forest certification achieves two important goals. First, it secures the long-term health of our forests and curbs destructive practices that dominated the lumber industry for centuries. But the FSC-certified label, the “brand of sustainable forestry,” also provides consumers with a way to easily access sustainable options.

Environmental issues are more pressing than ever before, and the FSC’s rigorous standards were designed to protect the integrity of forests, both in the short and long term. For example, the FSC certification monitors whether the ecosystems of a harvested forest remain intact, whether any species are at risk, and whether the interests of local communities are addressed. This comprehensive system is the most effective way to ensure the quality of the product and the health of its source.

We owe our forests, and Altruwood is proud to offer our customers the opportunity to invest in their long term health. Use your purchasing power to protect this vital ecosystem and always choose FSC-certified products.

Guaranteed Curb Appeal
Cedar shingles have that old-world-meets-modern feel that few roofing materials can replicate. A wood shingle roof increases the value of your house, which serves as both an aesthetic asset and a long term investment.

Environmental Responsibility
When you choose FSC certified cedar roof shingles, you can rest assured that your material was harvested ethically. Every step leading to the cedar shingles was accomplished in a way that supports the integrity of the forest and its ecosystem.

Installing cedar roof shingles will create a renewable resource which improves your home’s sustainability performance. The natural insulating qualities of cedar will reduce the amount of energy needed to warm or cool your home.

Longevity
Because your home is one of your most valuable investments, a cedar roof  will guarantee long-term performance Cedar is naturally insect-resistant, which enables it to maintain its exceptional quality for over 50 years. Minor periodic maintenance measures can stretch the lifespan of your wood shingles even longer. This lightweight, yet durable, material is ideal for areas that have variable weather since cedar can withstand wind, rain, snow, and climatic changes.

AltruWood is proud to offer FSC certified wood that will sustainably provide beauty and secure longevity for your home Get in touch today to turn your roof into a beacon of curb appeal, longevity, and environmental responsibility!

At AltruWood, we believe that one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful weather is right in your own backyard. Eco friendly building materials make it possible to construct an outdoor space that will be the location of good memories for years to come. There are numerous different backyard deck ideas, and the beauty of a custom design is that it can completely reflect your tailored needs.

Seamlessly integrate your new deck with the rest of your home by selecting suitable and sustainable construction materials. Make sure to select lumber that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which ensures that the wood was harvested responsibly.

FSC® Certified Western Red Cedar Decking can be stained to align with a clean-cut modern aesthetic or a cozy, rustic style. For a natural look, simply seal the material with a clear coat to shield it from the elements. Different stains create distinctive appearances that can align with any architectural style.

Finally, explore a few backyard deck designs before diving into the project. This addition is an investment, and as such, you want to ensure that it will last for years to come. FSC® Certified Ipe Decking is a popular choice thanks to its rugged durability. Ipe, also referred to as ironwood, holds the same fire rating as steel or concrete, meaning that it is incredibly hardwearing and resistant to insect activity.

Whether you need help selecting sustainable materials or are ready to dive into your project, the AltruWood team is always on hand to provide assistance! Visit us today and create your outdoor oasis.

So, just what is FSC certified? It’s a question that we’ve been asked many times before, and we’re always eager to educate our customers on its importance. When raw materials are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, it means that they bear the “mark of sustainable forestry.” Every aspect of the material – from harvesting to transportation – is carefully monitored by the FSC and required to comply with rigorous standards. FSC certified lumber is pivotal for LEED-certified or ecofriendly construction projects. We offer a range of FSC certified products that align with virtually every part of the construction phase, including flooring, decking, shakes, shingles, and siding.

FSC recently launched a continued education unit (CEU) designed for designers and building professionals, which provides instruction on FSC certified timber for construction projects. This free online platform offers tools and strategies surrounding sustainable forestry, as well as an overview of how it aligns with LEED certification and other green building programs. All you need is a computer to get access to premier green building information and resources. We highly recommend the CEU to any professional who is interested in green construction.

AltruWood is proud to provide our customers with access to high quality and sustainable FSC-certified products. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our commitment to responsible forestry, or to get advice on your next green building project!

FSC Certified Lumber

The market is placing increased value on wood harvested through responsible forestry. Thanks to the Forest Stewardship Council, FSC certification ensures that wood is harvested in a sustainable way. Therefore, buyers can enjoy the peace of mind knowing their material was sourced without destroying its ecosystem.

Natural Materials

Wall-to-wall carpeting might have been the preferred flooring choice for the past two decades, but air quality concerns are driving many homeowners to turn to more sustainable materials. Most carpets are made from materials that produce significant off-gassing, resulting in asthma attacks and other health concerns. Due to its sustainable nature and health benefits, eco-friendly wood flooring is the best replacement. Consumers favor chemical-free and minimally-treated lumber that is both beautiful and safe.

Rustic Aesthetics

Homeowners and designers are favoring natural, rustic aesthetics. Reclaimed and recycled flooring has seen a huge resurgence as people rediscover the value o imperfections including knots, checks and small holes. Consumers are rejecting strong varnishes and finishes in favor of a simple, untreated appearance.

Long-Term Investment

The economic downturn encouraged consumers to appreciate the value of long-term investments. That’s why so many homeowners prefer wood for building and restoration projects. Its durable and sustainable nature will add visual and financial value to any home for years to come.

AltruWood is proud to be an industry leader providing ethical and sustainable materials for our customers. For more information, reach out to one of our specialists!

As a proud distributor of FSC®-Certifiedwood products, we think that responsible forestry and beautiful materials should always go hand-in-hand. Customers can rest assured knowing the products we offer are ethically sourced and sustainably harvested. We take sustainability seriously and are committed to providing customers with convenient access to green building products of the highest quality.

Lumber that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council bears the “mark of responsible forestry.” In order for forestry companies to be FSC-certified, they must comply with a range of rigorous requirements, such as local law compliance, honoring workers’ rights, respecting indigenous communities, minimizing the environmental impact of logging, and safeguarding areas of ecological significance.

Our products serve as an accessible, high-quality, and ethical option for a wide range of clients, from large-scale LEED projects to green homeowners. Our goal is to turn your vision into a reality by offering superior materials that were not harvested at the expense of our planet. It is our responsibility to make our planet a healthier, more sustainable place. We are proud to help our customers build beautifully and responsibly.

At Altruwood, we believe the one of the best ways to curb detrimental practices is to offer sustainable alternatives. Use your purchasing power to support FSC-certified and reclaimed lumber. You will gain amazing, high quality material, while knowing you are doing your part to support sustainable forestry. The future of our planet’s forests hinge on people just like you. Join Altruwood in pledging to put the best interest of our environment first.

We’re proud to provide our customers wide array of wood materials that will suit the needs of any project big or small. We are proud to do this without making a negative imprint on our planet.

Altruwood supports sustainable forestry. In 2004, we became the first FSC-certified lumber brokers in the United States and have maintained our commitment to provide responsibly sourced materials of impeccable quality to our customers.

If you’re planning a springtime project, turn your vision into a reality using either FSC certified wood products or reclaimed wood. By making this choice, you will receive superior products and the peace of mind of knowing your project’s materials didn’t come at the expense of our planet.

FSC-certified wood bears the mark of “responsible forestry.” It means that the Forest Stewardship Council guarantees that it was harvested ethically and with a minimal impact on the natural world.

Reclaimed lumber has been taken from places like old buildings, barns, and warehouses. Also called reclaimed wood, this material has been repurposed and given a second life for your projects. Reclaimed lumber typically bears one-of-a-kind qualities like character marks and knots that aren’t found in traditional lumber.

Altruwood offers the same array of widths, lengths, and wood types that you would find from other providers, but with a greener background. Altruwood offers exceptional products that make a minimal imprint on our planet. So celebrate the Earth this year by choosing sustainable materials that will give double the life to your projects. Contact us with any questions!

In 2009 alone, Americans generated 15.84 million tons of wood waste material. Most of this is comprised of the scraps and byproducts that accompany woodworking projects, and yard trimmings. The big question is what to do with all of that extra wood?

Previous disposal methods, such as burning old wood or leaving it at the local landfill, are very damaging to the environment and becoming less feasible. The good news is that, as of 2011, there are more than 500 wood recycling centers in the United States. These centers utilize a variety of methods to process organic materials and make them useful once again. For instance, many wood recycling centers shred wood-based byproducts in a tub grinder; the finely-ground product is then used as fuel for power plants, an alternative daily cover at landfills, and compost.

Speaking of compost: why not just leave those yard trimmings where they lie? Fresh wood, when allowed to decompose, will enrich and nourish the soil with vital minerals and nutrients, paving the way for the healthy and organic growth of future grass, flowers, and gardens.

Wood products in the form of furniture or construction and woodworking scraps can also be recycled, albeit in a slightly different way. Many local materials reuse outlets, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore, will accept or even purchase used lumber and furniture for future projects. By donating used lumber, you’ll be both recycling and contributing to the future home of a family in need.

Last but certainly not least, every leftover or unwanted piece of wood is an opportunity for a wood enthusiast to get creative. Even old wood can be easily reworked! Please see our past blog posts, [insert titles of previous blog posts about DIY wood projects here], for ideas on how to give old wood a second life. For insider tips and tricks, contact the recycled wood experts at AltruWood today.

Beyond the obvious—trees provide us and other creatures with shelter, as well as the beautiful, quality wood we have come to know and love—did you know that trees serve as the cornerstone of almost all biospheres? They are a critical component of the natural world, whether a lone Yucca in Joshua Tree’s desert or one of many in the stunning taiga of the Pacific Northwest. Although most of us spend the majority of our time indoors, the influence of trees on the environment has very real implications for everyone.

The staunchest supporters of air quality and purification, trees are the best air filters ever designed. A single mature tree produces an average of 260 pounds of oxygen per year, and in a year, it will absorb the carbon dioxide emissions of the typical American car after driving 26,000 miles. Over the course of its lifetime, one tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide. These figures are especially impressive when one considers how much gas weighs!

In addition, trees serve as insulators and protectors. Large forests and even single trees provide shade, wind buffering, and moisture trapping. These capabilities have large-scale effects on local weather systems, and as a result, they reduce annual heating and cooling costs in the United States by an estimated $2.1 billion. It is estimated that each average-sized tree saves about $7 in annual environmental benefits, through its contributions to energy conservation and diminished pollution.

Last but certainly not least, trees serve as an invaluable natural resource. The average American uses about 750 pounds of paper every year, and 95% of homes are built using wood. Put another way, every year, each person uses the equivalent of one 100 foot tall tree with a 16 inch diameter. Imagine how these numbers might change if more paper and wood products stemmed from recycled sources.

Trees add a beautiful aesthetic to both our homes and the horizon. Take a moment to honor and respect the fabric of our environment by investing only in recycled and FSC-certified wood products. Contact AltruWood for more information about responsibly forested wood products.