Sustainable from the Start
Trees are planted, harvested and planted again. The fact that trees can be regrown means wood is a renewable resource. Since the basic materials needed to maintain and grow trees are water and sunlight, no toxic chemicals are needed to produce the raw materials necessary to create hardwood floors. The same cannot be said of carpet, vinyl or other synthetic flooring options.

Trees help decrease global warming. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air, decreasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Even before the trees are harvested, they are providing a positive impact on the environment.

Intelligent Harvesting
The biggest concern about the use of hardwood floors comes from the techniques used to harvest the trees. While all trees are inevitably environmentally safe, the way trees are extracted can give some rise for concern. The issue of deforestation and land loss has always been a major focus, but modern harvesting techniques have reduced the fears of eliminating biodiversity. Reforestation and sustainable harvesting have improved so much that there is an abundance of hardwood trees in the US. Trees are growing faster than the rate they are being harvested.

Where the hardwood was sourced can be a good indicator of the sustainable practices used to harvest and maintain forests. While forests in the US are being properly maintained and observed, the same cannot be said for logging practices in other countries. To ensure that your wood comes from a sustainably managed forest, look for wood that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC is an international non-profit that focuses on the protection and monitoring of the world’s forests.

No Need for Landfills
Hardwood floors are known to be durable and long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, hardwood floors can last for generations and will never have a need to be trashed. Even if hardwood floors become heavily damaged, the wood can be repaired and replaced without getting rid of the entire floor.

Because of the nature of wood, it should never have to see a landfill. Old wood can be used as fuel. In fact, many manufacturers of hardwood floors use the scraps to help power their facilities, further reducing landfill waste. Old floors can be recycled. Reclaiming old wood has become a popular option to reduce waste. Ultimately, wood will biodegrade, returning to the land from which it came.

As we become more aware of the impact we have on the planet, we continue to look for ways to decrease our carbon footprint and become better stewards of the environment. While we have optimized our cars, food and electronics to minimize our effect on the earth, remember that hardwood floors have long been regarded for their beauty, durability and longevity.